Health System will provide comprehensive healthcare, sports medicine and performance support for the Club’s players.

Key Takeaways:

• OhioHealth is a Founding Partner and the Official Healthcare Provider of Columbus NWSL 2028, providing comprehensive healthcare, sports medicine and performance support for the Club’s players.
• The new OhioHealth Training Grounds will serve as the Club’s world-class training home, featuring a 45,000-square-foot facility, three grass pitches and dedicated spaces for performance, wellness and rehabilitation.
• The partnership extends beyond professional soccer, with OhioHealth and Columbus NWSL 2028 planning community health, wellness and fan initiatives while supporting opportunities for youth athletes across Central Ohio.

COLUMBUS – Columbus NWSL 2028 and Founding Partner OhioHealth today announced that the Columbus-based, nationally recognized health system will serve as the Club’s Official Healthcare Provider and training facility naming rights partner.

To honor the moment and shared commitment to advancing Central Ohio and women athletes of all ages, the Club and OhioHealth unveiled detailed renderings of the world-class OhioHealth Training Grounds.As the Official Healthcare Provider of Columbus NWSL 2028, OhioHealth will provide its exceptional, comprehensive care and services for every aspect of the team’s healthcare and performance needs at the Club’s world-class training facility and ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

OhioHealth’s exemplary sports medicine department and expert physicians will work in tandem with Columbus NWSL 2028 technical and support staff – led by Haslam Sports Group President of Global Soccer Tim Bezbatchenko and General Manager Lucy Rushton – to ensure players consistently receive access to elite resources to be their best as professional athletes, individuals and family members on and off the pitch throughout the year.“We’re proud to strengthen our partnership with OhioHealth, a national leader in healthcare and sports medicine who for generations has consistently proven their commitment to our community and local athletes at all levels of competition,” said Haslam Sports Group (HSG) Managing Partner Whitney Haslam Johnson.

“Columbus NWSL 2028’s mission is to create a legacy and set a new global standard across women’s sports for our Club, supporters and region. That starts with building world-class facilities that give our players every advantage to perform at their best. The OhioHealth Training Grounds reflects that commitment and the long-term community impact it will create, from hosting teams during major international events to serving the local youth athletes who are the future of our sport and City.”

“Bringing professional women’s soccer to Columbus is about much more than what happens on the field. It’s an investment in women, in the health and vitality of our community and in the next generation of girls who will grow up seeing what’s possible,” said Steve Markovich, President and CEO, OhioHealth. “We’re also incredibly proud that OhioHealth will be connected to this team every day, with our sports medicine physicians and healthcare teams caring for these world-class athletes as they train at the new OhioHealth Training Grounds. It’s an exciting partnership that brings together elite care, elite athletes and a shared commitment to this community.”

“OhioHealth is an Ohio institution who cares deeply about our athletes and our City. They’re the perfect partner to meet our ambition of consistently contending for championships and providing our players with the elite resources and a truly world-class environment to compete at the highest levels of the game globally,” said Bezbatchenko. “OhioHealth experts will play a pivotal role in ensuring our athletes and staff are able to perform on the pitch and be the best versions of themselves every day as we strive to bring trophies to Columbus beginning from Day 1.”

Through their partnership, Columbus NWSL 2028 and OhioHealth will collaborate on various fan-focused and community-based initiatives at the training grounds, in the stadium and across Central Ohio, including opportunities for team personnel to interact with and positively impact patients and trusted care providers at OhioHealth locations.The Club and OhioHealth together will emphasize the importance of overall community health and wellness through engaging events at the OhioHealth Training Grounds and ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, creating avenues for supporters and community members to access the buildings and amenities the world’s best female soccer players benefit from each day.

The OhioHealth Training Grounds is a transformative 45,000-square-foot training facility that is specifically designed to accommodate the professional and personal needs of the globe’s top women soccer players. Modeled after the Crew’s OhioHealth Performance Center, HSG, Nationwide and the Edwards family are creating an environment that will attract and maximize the performance and personal health of elite female athletes while best positioning the team for long-term talent development opportunities in women’s soccer and sport.The best-in-industry facility, opening in January 2028, will feature three grass pitches; a modern weight room with top-line equipment; multiple locker rooms for players and staff; premier athlete performance, wellness and rehabilitation space; office and meeting rooms and ample resources dedicated to Columbus NWSL’s First Team.

Upon the full site’s completion, the grounds will also possess three high-quality synthetic turf fields for long-term youth player development and community access programmed in partnership with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.In its first year of operation, the OhioHealth Training Grounds will welcome Columbus NWSL 2028 for its debut season, as well as additional professional domestic and international women’s soccer teams. Columbus NWSL 2028 and the Columbus Crew’s training facilities will be home to soccer federations across the globe as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games’ Olympic Football (Soccer) Tournament, which awarded Columbus nine matches based on the world-class environments at both facilities, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field and throughout Central Ohio.

OhioHealth is a Founding Partner of Columbus NWSL 2028 who shares the Club’s passion and commitment to supporting women’s sports and the local community. OhioHealth has been dedicated to soccer and youth sports in Columbus for generations, including as a partner of the Columbus Crew since 1997 and the official naming rights partner of the Crew’s OhioHealth Performance Center since 2020.Columbus NWSL 2028 has partnered with Columbus-based institutions Moody Nolan and Marker Construction to bring the vision for the OhioHealth Training Grounds to life. On April 21, Columbus was awarded the NWSL’s 18th franchise, which is owned by HSG, Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. Reflecting the group’s long-term commitment to elevating and uniting Central Ohio and beyond through the power of sport, the successful Columbus NWSL 2028 movement was strengthened with the support of a public-private partnership and shared commitment to women athletes by Mayor Ginther’s administration, Columbus City Council and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, including to facilitate the construction of the Club’s first-class training facility.

About OhioHealth

Based in Columbus, Ohio, OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable, healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church.

Serving its communities since 1891, OhioHealth is a family of more than 36,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 16 hospitals, five joint-venture hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites and other health services spanning a 50-county area. For more information, visit ohiohealth.com.

For more information, visit ohiohealth.com.

• OhioHealth is now the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics.
• The expanded partnership supports 450 student-athletes across all 16 varsity sports.
• The multi-year agreement builds on nearly 15 years of partnership and strengthens OhioHealth’s commitment to Athens and southeastern Ohio.

ATHENS, Ohio – Through its partnership with Ohio Athletics, Learfield's Ohio Sports Properties announced the expansion of its agreement, establishing OhioHealth as the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics.

"We are excited to extend our alliance with OhioHealth as a transformational partner in supporting our 450 student-athletes," Director of Athletics Slade Larscheid said. "This agreement aligns first-class healthcare and sports medicine to all 16 sports – the health and wellness of our teams is paramount. Special thank you to LeeAnn Lucas-Helber and Jess Hennessy for their collaboration and partnership with OhioHealth."

The multi-year agreement strengthens a longstanding relationship, while upholding OhioHealth's role as a foundational partner of Ohio Athletics with a shared commitment to furthering student-athlete wellness, health and community impact.

"For nearly 15 years, OhioHealth has been proud to partner with Ohio University Athletics, supporting student-athletes with the clinical expertise and care they need to compete at their highest level," LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, President, OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital said. "As we take this relationship into its next chapter, as the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics, we're building on a much broader commitment to Ohio University, Athens County and communities across southeastern Ohio."

The partnership will emphasize OhioHealth's connection and educational initiatives with Ohio Athletics and Ohio University, continuing the strong investment in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Health Sciences and Professions and branding signage across Ohio Athletics' facilities.

"We are incredibly grateful for OhioHealth's continued support of Ohio Athletics and for the trust they place in our Ohio Sports Properties team to steward the partnership," General Manager of Ohio Sports Properties Matt Molde said. "We're excited about what we can accomplish together over the next five years and beyond."

Ohio Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Ohio Athletics and manages all sponsorships, in-venue signage and advertising on behalf of the university.

Looking forward, Ohio Athletics, Ohio Sports Properties and OhioHealth will continue working together by connecting OhioHealth's broader commitment to the University community with its leadership and presence of OhioHealth O'Bleness in Athens.

About OhioHealth
Based in Columbus, Ohio, OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable, healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church. Serving its communities since 1891, OhioHealth is a family of 35,000 associates, physicians and volunteers and a network of 16 hospitals, three joint-venture hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites and other health services spanning a 50-county area.

About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness and fan engagement for brands, sports and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

#OUohyeah

• OhioHealth Van Wert's Teddy Bear Clinic helps children become more comfortable with healthcare through hands-on activities.
• Kids explore stations including vitals, lab, X-ray, vaccines, casting, exercise, hand hygiene and nutrition.
• The event gives children a chance to meet healthcare professionals and learn what to expect if they need care.

A trip to the doctor or hospital can feel unfamiliar or even scary for children. OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital is helping make those experiences more comfortable by giving kids the chance to practice caring for a little patient of their own.

At the hospital’s Teddy Bear Clinic, children bring their favorite stuffed animals and guide them through a series of healthcare stations.

This year’s Clinic was held Tuesday, Sept. 22. The free event gave kids an opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals and equipment while learning what happens during different types of care.

Stations included vitals, lab, X-ray, vaccines, casting, exercise, hand hygiene and nutrition. At each stop, children took part in age-appropriate activities designed to make healthcare more approachable and engaging.

For parent, Aaron Caskey, the Teddy Bear Clinic is a familiar experience for his family.

“It was neat. We’ve done it a couple years ago with the other kids,” he said. “And so now we brought the little one. It’s a good experience for them, really helpful for the little kids.”

Abigail Stump, whose nieces and nephews attended, also appreciated the opportunity to introduce them to the hospital in a setting centered on learning and fun.

“It was just a nice little, informative thing to get them a little bit used to coming to the hospital if they ever have to,” Stump said. “It’s more of the fun side. It gets them ready for when it’s more serious and they actually have to have their blood drawn or anything like that.”

Madi Korte, financial analyst at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, helps organize the event.

“It’s an experience for the children, in the perspective of their stuffed animal,” she said. “Everybody’s going to come to the doctor at one point, and it’s just making the children familiar with the space. It doesn’t always have to be scary.”

• The Emergency Department at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital has earned Pediatric Ready Facility Recognition from the Ohio Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program.
• The recognition reflects pediatric-focused preparation involving policies, equipment, staff training, patient-safety practices, disaster planning and continuous quality improvement.
• Pediatric Ready recognition is valid for three years and represents an ongoing commitment to maintaining readiness for children who need emergency care.

The emergency department at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital has been recognized as a Pediatric Ready Facility by the Ohio Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program, also known as Ohio EMSC. The recognition reflects the hospital’s alignment with national pediatric emergency care standards and its commitment to providing timely, safe and appropriate care for children and families. Riverside Methodist officially received the recognition in July 2026.

Children have distinct medical and emotional needs during an emergency. Being Pediatric Ready means an emergency department has prepared in advance with pediatric-focused policies and procedures, appropriately sized equipment and supplies, staff training and competencies specific to children, patient-safety practices, disaster plans that address pediatric needs and ongoing quality-improvement efforts.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire emergency department team and the intentional work that goes into being ready for children,” said Cyndole Messer, BSN, RN, ED Clinical Nurse Manager, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses and support teams worked together to strengthen our pediatric processes, participate in simulations and evaluate how we respond to the unique needs of children and their families. Pediatric Readiness is something we will continue to build upon every day.”

“Providing high-quality emergency care for children requires preparation long before a child arrives in the emergency department,” said Brad Raetzke, MD, Assistant Medical Director, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Emergency Department. “This recognition reflects our commitment to maintaining the training, resources and clinical expertise needed to care for pediatric patients safely and effectively whenever they need us.”

Achieving Pediatric Ready Recognition is the result of coordinated work among emergency physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, support staff and Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators. Eligible hospitals participate voluntarily by submitting required materials, completing a structured review and taking part in an onsite or virtual verification visit. Ohio EMSC provides guidance and technical assistance throughout the process.

Most children who require emergency treatment receive that care in community hospital emergency departments. Pediatric Readiness standards are intended to help those departments maintain the people, processes and equipment needed to care for children safely and effectively.

“Families should feel confident that when they come to Riverside during an emergency, our teams have taken purposeful steps to prepare for pediatric patients,” said Rob Cercek, president, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. “This recognition speaks to our associates’ commitment to safety, teamwork and continuous improvement. It also reinforces our responsibility to provide children and families with compassionate care during moments when they need us most.”

The standards supporting the recognition draw on national initiatives, including the National Pediatric Readiness Project and the Joint Policy Statement on Pediatric Readiness in the emergency department. They address pediatric-specific policies, appropriately sized supplies and equipment, staff competencies, patient safety, disaster preparedness and quality-improvement processes.

Pediatric Ready Recognition remains valid for three years. During that period, Riverside Methodist will continue its focus on pediatric training, evaluation, equipment, policies and quality improvement.

About OhioHealth

OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based health system serving patients across Ohio through hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory locations and other health services. Guided by its mission to improve the health of those it serves, OhioHealth provides compassionate care while supporting medical innovation, education and community health.

About Ohio EMSC and Pediatric Readiness

Ohio EMSC is Ohio’s Emergency Medical Services for Children state partnership program. It advances Pediatric Readiness among hospitals and EMS agencies through education, technical assistance, resources and statewide coordination involving pediatric emergency care standards. The program is supported by a federal EMSC grant and is housed administratively at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Bureau Emergency Medical Services for Children grant number H33MC48997, with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, or an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

“I didn’t expect that in a million years. It was just utter shock,” Ewers says, with Dyer telling NBC News, “I was shaking. I was nervous and excited, and I just could not wait to see her.”

Dyer serves in the U.S. Air Force and is stationed seven hours away at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. After learning about her grandma’s cancer returning, Dyer made arrangements with her supervisor to make it for her final appointment. The moment was captured on video as OhioHealth nurses and staff cheered them on.

“Just to know that a young person would care that much and put in that kind of an effort to come and see their grandma, I felt very loved and very special that day,” Ewers told NBC News. 

This is not the first time Ewers has battled breast cancer. She was first diagnosed in 2012, but went into remission after radiation. When she learned the cancer had returned in 2025, she began her second treatment journey. After fighting for the second time, she was not only able to celebrate by ringing the bell, but also experienced an unforgettable surprise from her granddaughter. 

The video was posted on TikTok and gained more than 46,000 views and thousands of heartfelt comments. The emotional moment resonated with viewers, connecting those who have shared similar experiences with loved ones battling cancer. For Dyer, the response was a reminder that even through difficult experiences, people can support each other from all over the world.

“The comments definitely made the video special because you got to see how everyone’s going through something,” Dyer said. “We can just support each other.”

A thumb implant, used more than 130,000 times in Europe, is now being performed in the United States after receiving FDA approval last year. Dr. Berling was among a select group of surgeons trained to perform the procedure and one of only a few from Ohio. In May, he was the first surgeon in Ohio to implant the TOUCH CMC 1 Prosthesis.

“If this continues to have the trajectory that it does, this will be the standard of care for thumb replacement surgery, not the way we’ve been doing it for the last 50 years which I think could be a dramatic paradigm shift in hand surgery that is going to be great for the entire system and city far and wide,” Dr. Berling said.

The first U.S. implant was performed in Aurora, Illinois. Training later expanded from a small group of surgeons in Europe to a group of U.S. surgeons in Las Vegas, where Dr. Berling was trained alongside surgeons from Cincinnati and Cleveland.

“It is a two day excursion where training surgeons get to meet with the design team and practicing surgeons to go over every aspect of the implants and the thought process behind them,” Dr. Berling said.

Dr. Berling and the other surgeons in training then met with two French surgeons who had been performing the procedure for nearly 10 years. The Swiss-designed CMC Touch 1 prosthesis was developed and manufactured by KeriMedical and distributed by Medartis Inc in the US.

“It’s one thing to watch a video of it, but it’s another thing to talk and sit with someone as they’re performing the surgery, and then you sit down with the cadaver and do as many as it takes to feel comfortable doing the implants,” Dr. Berling said.

The implant does not require any anatomy changes. Surgeons use the same approach they are already familiar with; the difference is in the mechanics of the instrumentation.

Dr. Berling describes the implant as a mini hip replacement for the thumb and performs the surgery at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital.

“The mechanics of it are a ball and socket joint to replace the saddle joint that is your thumb,” Dr. Berling said.

Traditional thumb reconstruction is used when bone-on-bone arthritis occurs where the thumb meets the wrist. The procedure involves removing the trapezium bone and then resuspending the thumb. “Essentially, you’re using your own tendonor suture anchors to then reconnect your thumb back to your index finger so that your thumb its normal motion.”   

One downside of traditional procedures is that the thumb may take time to function properly without the bone, which can lead to a lengthy recovery of six to nine months.  Patients after traditional thumb arthritis surgeries are in a splint or cast for 6 weeks, while patients who receive the TOUCH prosthesis are leaving the operating room with just an ACE bandage.

“I tell people it could take in the neighborhood of six to nine months for your thumb to feel like your thumb again,” Dr. Berling said. “You’re retraining muscles to compensate for the fact that your bone is not there, and you’re trying to use the same motion to get the same pinch.”  

With this new implant, the bone is not removed, which provides immediate stability and helps accelerate recovery. The outpatient surgery takes about 45 minutes, allows patients to go home the same day and can be performed under twilight, nerve block or general anesthesia. Stitches stay in for two weeks, and once they are removed, patients can shower and get their hand wet.

“People are coming in at two weeks or three weeks after surgery with the same motion that I would previously expect at four to six months, with almost no pain whatsoever,” Dr. Berling said. Dr. Berling recommends that patients avoid heavy lifting for six to eight weeks, but they can resume normal daily activities.

“One of Dr. Berling’s patients, Julia Brown, told NBC4, ‘It’s remarkable when you can wake up and be pain-free in a certain part of your body where you have pain in other parts. That just gives you a lot of hope.’”

The implant also helps restore pinch and grip strength while maintaining the length of the thumb without removing the bone.

To qualify for the implant, patients with thumb arthritis typically must first fail conservative treatments. The implant does not replace options such as bracing, therapy and injections, which can provide lasting relief and often help patients avoid surgery.

Like any joint replacement, the implant can wear out over time, but Dr. Berling expects for most patients that this implant will last the rest of their life. Patients whose jobs place heavy manual demands on their hands may not be ideal candidates. However, people who are active, use their hands and thumbs regularly, work out or bike or play pickleball can still be good candidates, and those activities are not expected to cause the implant to wear out quickly.

As technology and health care continue to evolve, OhioHealth and its experts remain focused on finding new ways to improve patient care. “We’re never satisfied with how things are going, there’s always room for improvement,” Dr. Berling said.

Dr. Berling explained that thumb surgeries have been done the same way for 60 years, but newer approaches may help improve outcomes using methods that have already been proven effective.

“This new generation of thumb implants are working because we have been able to use the same technology that has improved knee and hip replacements and translate them to the thumb,” Dr. Berling said.

To view the NBC4 story, click here.

• OhioHealth experts emphasize that many child firearm injuries are preventable through safe storage practices, including keeping firearms locked and ammunition stored separately.
• Creating multiple layers of protection, including secure storage and ongoing firearm safety conversations with children, can significantly reduce the risk of accidental shootings.
• Firearm incidents can leave lasting emotional and psychological effects on children, making prevention critical for both physical and mental well-being.

A recent accidental shooting of a young girl in Columbus, Ohio, is bringing renewed attention to firearm safety around children. While many incidents can happen in seconds, there are many preventive steps that can be taken to avoid injuries.

"In trauma care, it's probably the hardest thing when you're treating injuries that are ones that could have been completely prevented," Dr. Keshav Deshpande, a trauma surgeon at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, told NBC4.

Firearm injuries can be especially serious for children because the energy carried by a bullet can have a greater impact on smaller bodies.

Unsecured firearms can also cause harm beyond physical wounds. "That emotional trauma of an injured child can last a lifetime. It carries with them into being an adult. You can see things in children, like nightmares, anxiety, even, like, regression, like bedwetting, and for the ones that are not even involved in getting hurt, just that survivor's guilt can play a big role if there's multiple kids in the area," Deshpande said.

Creating multiple layers of protection around firearms is critical for parents/guardians at home.

Firearms should be locked in a place where children cannot access them, and ammunition should be placed in a secure location separate from the firearm. It is also important to have conversations about never touching or playing with a gun and reporting any encounter with one to a trusted adult.

Deshpande describes this approach as "triple prevention," emphasizing the importance of creating several barriers between children and firearms. Taking these extra steps can reduce the likelihood of a child gaining access to a firearm and help prevent serious injuries.

OhioHealth also continues to support "Agree to Agree," an Ad Council initiative that brings together healthcare, business and community leaders around the shared goal of preventing youth gun violence. The campaign focuses on finding common ground and providing practical steps families can take to protect children and teens from firearm injuries and death.

As part of the initiative, OhioHealth is helping bring safety education and prevention efforts to surrounding communities. By encouraging safe storage, open conversations and multiple layers of protection, Agree to Agree aims to give families tools to prevent firearm injuries before they happen.

For more information on the "Agree to Agree" effort and to access resources such as conversation guides and shareable graphics that educate and empower audiences to take individual steps to protect communities and children, visit AgreeToAgree.org

• The Fishel Foundation has committed $1.5 million to support the OhioHealth Women’s Health Navigation Hub.
• The hub will provide dedicated care coordination to help women and their families better understand care options, connect with clinicians and access resources.
• The navigation hub will be part of the new OhioHealth Women’s Center, expected to open in 2027 at Riverside Methodist Hospital.
• OhioHealth says the program reflects its commitment to compassionate, individualized and coordinated care for women at every stage of life.

OhioHealth is grateful to announce a $1.5 million gift from the Fishel Foundation. This generous commitment will support the development of the OhioHealth Women's Health Navigation Hub, a dedicated care coordination service set to launch at the OhioHealth Women's Center. The navigation hub will serve as a central point of support for patients, helping women and their families more easily understand care options, connect with the right caregivers and clinicians, and access vital women’s health resources throughout their experience at the Women’s Center.

By integrating dedicated navigators into the daily operations of the new Women’s Center, the program is designed to provide individualized, high-touch support during every step of a woman’s care journey. The generous gift from the Fishel Foundation will help bring this vision to life, ensuring the expanded services offered through the Women’s Center continue to reflect OhioHealth’s commitment to excellence, compassion and coordinated care.

The OhioHealth Women's Center is set to open in 2027 on the southeast corner of the OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital campus. The standalone center will become one of the leading facilities of its type in the country and is designed to meet the complex and changing healthcare needs of women throughout the different stages of life.

"This gift will be key to our efforts to help to transform the way care is coordinated and delivered to women and their families across the communities OhioHealth serves," said Jason Melillo, MD, senior vice president of service lines for OhioHealth. "Navigating a health journey can be overwhelming, and we want to help ensure no woman has to figure it out alone."

Care navigation has become an increasingly important part of the patient experience, especially for women who often manage not only their own health, but the health of their families. By pairing patients with a dedicated navigator, the hub aims to remove common barriers to care, from scheduling confusion to a lack of clarity around next steps or specialists.

"We are deeply grateful for the Fishel Foundation's generosity and for a donor whose personal experience has inspired such a meaningful investment in women's health," said Karen Morrison, president, OhioHealth Foundation and senior vice president, OhioHealth. "This commitment reflects exactly the kind of individualized, compassionate care we envision for every woman who walks through our doors.”

The OhioHealth Women's Health Navigation Hub represents one of several innovative features planned for the Women's Center, which will bring together a wide range of services designed around the needs of women and their families.  

If you would like to support exceptional care in women’s health, please click here

• A new Safe Haven Baby Box is now available at BKP Ambulance District in Kenton, offering parents in crisis a safe and anonymous option to surrender a newborn.
• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital provided funding for the box, partnering with BKP Ambulance District and Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
• The climate-controlled box alerts first responders when a newborn is placed inside, who can retrieve the baby within minutes for evaluation at Hardin Memorial.

A new Safe Haven Baby Box is now available in Kenton, providing parents experiencing a crisis with a safe and anonymous option to surrender a newborn.

The community gathered Tuesday, Sept. 15, at BKP Ambulance District to celebrate the installation and blessing of the new box. Community members and first responders attended the ceremony, which included remarks from Kenton Mayor Lynn Webb and City Council President Joel Althauser. Pastor Eric Risner of Abundant Life Assembly of God Church offered a blessing prayer for the box and the families it may serve.

OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital provided funding to bring the box to the community, working with BKP Ambulance District and Safe Haven Baby Boxes to make the resource available.

“Mothers have a nice anonymous, safe surrender,” said Shelly Prater with BKP Ambulance District. “We've always had a safe haven law so they could walk into any fire department or hospital and hand the baby over, but there's no anonymity when it comes to that.”

The box is installed on the exterior of the BKP facility, allowing a parent to surrender a newborn who is 30 days old or younger without entering the building or speaking directly with another person. Its climate-controlled chamber remains at 70 degrees year-round, and an alarm immediately alerts BKP first responders. Prater said staff can retrieve the baby within five minutes, after which the infant will be taken to Hardin Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

For Hardin Memorial, the project extends its commitment to supporting the community beyond the hospital and working alongside local emergency services.

“Contributing to this effort illustrates that it's a partnership with everyone in the community,” said Charity Coffman, director of nursing at Hardin Memorial. “Our commitment to care reaches beyond the walls of the hospital. It's connecting with the community.”

Coffman said the partnership will continue beyond the installation of the box, with associates already discussing future opportunities to support the effort. Ongoing operations of Safe Haven Baby Boxes are funded through donations.

“It's a shared vision,” she said. “And I think it's a wonderful illustration of all the values that we support, a safe haven for the little ones who don't have a place.”

The box is the 29th Safe Haven Baby Box in Ohio and the 471st in the nation.

“We have a lot of mothers in crisis,” said Prater. “Any kind of option that's going to help someone, that's why I do what I do.”

The Kenton Safe Haven Baby Box is located at BKP Ambulance District, 439 S. Main St., Kenton.

“This is important in every community,” said Mariah Betz, assistant project coordinator for Safe Haven. “You just never know when a crisis is going to strike. So the more the boxes that we have available, the better we are.”

• A free Community Health Resource Fair will be held Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at All in a Day Childcare in Columbus.
• Attendees can access WIC sign-ups, health screenings, food assistance, baby safety supplies and more.
• The family-friendly event will also feature food trucks, gaming trucks and activities.

Community members are invited to a free Community Health Resource Fair on Saturday, Sept. 26, offering families and individuals the opportunity to connect with local organizations and access health and community resources.

The event hosted by OhioHealth SARNCO (Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio) will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at All in a Day Childcare, 4420 Refugee Rd, Columbus.

The resource fair will bring together local organizations offering a wide range of free resources and services, including food assistance, WIC sign-ups, blood pressure screenings, car seats and baby safety supplies, food and hygiene packs and information about local health and human services.

Other participating organizations and services include:

• OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels
• NSI Food Pantry
• CelebrateOne
• Here to Serve
• A Step in the Right Direction
• Columbus Public Health
• Franklin County Health and Human Services
• COTA
• CareSource

The event will also feature gaming trucks, food trucks, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

“Resource fairs like this are important because they give people the opportunity to connect with resources and community partners all in one place,” said Deandre Criddell, program coordinator, OhioHealth SARNCO. “You never know what someone may be looking for or what support they may need, so we want to make it easy for people to come, ask questions, make connections, and leave knowing there are people and organizations in their community who are here to support them.”

For questions or to learn more about the event, contact Deandre Criddell at (614) 788-4707.

• OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital is donating 2.82 acres to the Van Wert County Foundation for future improvements at Hiestand Woods Park.
• Planned improvements include expanded parking, restrooms and additional park programming, while preserving existing woods and trees.
• Initial improvements are expected over the next 18 to 24 months.

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital is donating 2.82 acres of land adjacent to the hospital to the Van Wert County Foundation to support future improvements at Hiestand Woods Park.

The donated property is located along the west side of Hiestand Woods and will provide additional space to support the development of park amenities while preserving the existing woods and trees.

Planned improvements include expanded parking, restroom facilities and additional opportunities for park programming. The project also will support connections to existing trails, the reservoir area and other community features.

“OhioHealth’s donation of land is the catalyst for a significant investment in the future of Hiestand Woods,” said Seth Baker, CEO of the Van Wert County Foundation. “It allows us to move from a long-held vision to a truly transformational project. Over the next year and a half, we will be coordinating several grants and major private donations to see that work through to completion. We are grateful to OhioHealth for helping unlock what will be a lasting investment in one of our community’s most important public spaces.”

The planned improvements reflect years of feedback from residents and are designed to enhance the park’s amenities while making it more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.

“We believe healthcare extends beyond the walls of our hospitals,” said Paula Stabler, president of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “Spaces like Hiestand Woods give people opportunities to be active and connect with their families and community. We’re proud to contribute to a project that will create more ways for people in Van Wert County to support their health and well-being.”

Initial improvements to Hiestand Woods Park are expected to take place over the next 18 to 24 months as plans for the project continue to develop.

About The Van Wert County Foundation

The Van Wert County Foundation is creating a well-resourced and thriving quality of life for Van Wert County by inspiring, fulfilling, and supporting philanthropy. For more information, visit vanwertcountyfoundation.org or call 419-238-1743.

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital

Originally from Argentina, Dr. Bustos developed an interest in rural surgery through his early experiences providing care abroad, where he saw the impact accessible, high-quality surgical services can have on patients and families.

“Van Wert Hospital gives me the unique opportunity to continue that path in combination with advanced surgical technologies that aren’t widely available elsewhere,” Dr. Bustos said. “I am committed to providing patients with exceptional care while allowing them to remain close to their homes, their support systems and their communities.”

Inspired by his father and sister, who are both general surgeons, Dr. Bustos said he was drawn to a career that combines medicine, technology and hands-on skill.

“Watching their commitment and compassion shaped my own path, inspiring me to pursue surgery with the same sense of purpose,” Dr. Bustos said. “Serving patients has become the greatest source of fulfillment for me, and it’s a responsibility I carry with pride every day.”

Dr. Bustos earned his medical degree from Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Argentina. He completed a research fellowship in minimally invasive and robotic surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and general surgery residency at Saint Louis University.

“We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Bustos to our team and to Van Wert," said Scott Jarvis, MD, associate vice president Clinical Affairs, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. "His expertise complements the strengths of our surgical team and will be a tremendous asset to the patients and communities we serve.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Bustos enjoys soccer, tennis, computer science, traveling and spending time with his wife and two children.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact OhioHealth Van Wert General Surgery at (419) 238-4909.

• The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium celebrated the arrival of four Caribbean flamingo chicks, using the moment to highlight both animal care and new life.
• OhioHealth’s Fourth Trimester Clinic joined the celebration because of a meaningful connection to flamingos: the clinic gives small pink flamingos to new moms as a symbol of support and “getting their pink back.”
• The flamingo metaphor reflects the postpartum experience - just as flamingos lose some of their pink while caring for their young, moms can feel depleted while adjusting to life with a newborn.
• The Fourth Trimester Clinic helps new moms navigate postpartum challenges, including breastfeeding support, education and emotional reassurance.

Last month, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium celebrated its newest additions: Caribbean flamingo chicks.

“We have four Caribbean Flamingo chicks, 3 boys and 1 girl, and they’re 39 days and 38 days old," said Mallory Seibold, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium zookeeper. "So, we’re doing a fun celebration for them, bringing them out with our flock.”

Also joining the celebration was the OhioHealth Fourth Trimester Clinic team at OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital Women’s Health Outpatient Center.

As part of the celebration, OhioHealth received 30 specialty Flamingo ADOPT packages for babies born at Dublin Methodist that day, giving families a unique keepsake tied to the zoo’s newest arrivals.

“It was wonderful to get to go to the Columbus Zoo and celebrate the baby shower for the pink flamingos," said Eleanor Byrum, a nurse practitioner at the OhioHealth Fourth Trimester Clinic. "It is just really cool to get to see people in different fields kind of focused on the same things, helping moms get through that early transition with their babies.”

The connection felt especially meaningful because the Clinic gives pink flamingos to new moms as a symbol of support during those early days.

“Here at the Fourth Trimester Clinic, I give out these small pink Flamingos as a reminder to moms that they will get their pink back,” said Byrum.

The phrase “get your pink back” was popularized by social media influencer Lindsey Gurk, and it quickly resonated with Byrum on a personal level.

“When Flamingos take care of their offspring, they literally give their all to their chicks," said Seibold. “They create something called crop milk. It is the literal pink coloration from their feathers because it has all those nutrients, all those carotenoids, algae, and anything they eat, they will bring it into their body and bring it up for their children. So, their feathers become pale during that time because they’re feeding their young all that crop milk.”
Byrum said the clinic’s flamingo tradition was inspired by social media influencer Lindsey Gurk and the movement of moms “getting their pink back.”

“I started looking around for a small memento that I can give out to families to represent, ‘I see you. I see what you’re doing with your baby, I see how much love you’re pouring into them,'" said Byrum.

“I was working in the women's & reproductive health service line at OhioHealth as a business operations manager when the Fourth Trimester Clinic was launched and began seeing patients,” Lucy Getz, OhioHealth patient, said. “At the time, I saw firsthand the vision behind the clinic and the important role it could play for new mothers. I then had the opportunity to experience that support personally as a patient after having my son last August.”

Getz initially visited the clinic for a prenatal appointment, then returned often in the first several weeks after her son was born for breastfeeding support and reassurance.

“During a season that can feel overwhelming and uncertain, every person I encountered made me feel supported, encouraged, and cared for,” Getz said. “Whether it was my lactation nurse, Amy, Rona the MPT, or the clinicians Dr. Tucker or Eleanor, I always felt like I had a trusted place to turn for guidance and the clinic provided not only expert care, but also reassurance and confidence I needed as a new mom.”

Getz keeps the flamingo on her desk as a reminder that motherhood is a journey, and every stage, even the difficult ones, is temporary. “It reminds me to give myself grace, to appreciate how far I've come, and to be grateful for the support system I had that helped me navigate that fresh season of motherhood.”

Danielle Stinnett first turned to the Clinic in 2024 for help with breastfeeding challenges after her first daughter was born.

“I was having some difficulties postpartum with her breastfeeding, latching multiple areas actually," said Stinnett. “It was a lot of education, even though I do work in the medical field, this is not my area of specialty, so they provided me information to help me get to the breastfeeding journey I was looking for with my first daughter who was unfortunately, tongue-tied," said Stinnett.

Stinnett’s oldest daughter is now 21 months old, and her youngest is three weeks old. When her second daughter was born, she returned to the Clinic for support.

“It just made me feel like I was among other people who are feeling very similar things as a lot of things change postpartum, and that it allowed me to realize the fact that I was not alone that there are other people there and are helping you along your journey," said Stinnett.

For Stinnett, “getting her pink back” means holding onto the hope that hard moments can ease, and finding joy in motherhood along the way.

“To me it means figuring out your new self with your children," said Stinnett. "It just means that before my girls, it was just me and my husband. Now, it’s kind of figuring out what that means as me being a mother and then kind of roping that into who I am myself.”

“Getting to see someone start to feel that normalcy return and feeling like they’re getting their footing of motherhood, there’s no greater joy to see that," said Byrum. “We are doing this to help moms get through this and we’re here to be that restorative function for them to get them back to hopefully getting their pink back."

• OhioHealth patients can now use MyChart to discover clinical research opportunities and indicate interest in participating in studies.
• Patients can manage their research preferences, including opting in or out of being contacted about eligible studies.
• Upcoming enhancements will allow patients to search for specific studies and connect directly with research teams through MyChart.

OhioHealth is making it easier than ever for patients to learn about and participate in clinical research.

Through OhioHealth MyChart, patients can now explore research opportunities, indicate their interests and choose whether they would like to be contacted about studies for which they may qualify. The new functionality helps connect patients with innovative research while making participation more accessible and convenient.

Clinical research plays a critical role in advancing medicine, improving treatments and bringing new care options to patients. At OhioHealth, research spans a wide range of specialties, including cancer, heart and vascular care, neuroscience, neurology, surgery and trauma.

"We do a lot of research here at OhioHealth," said Jennifer Sexton, director of research operations for the OhioHealth Research Institute. "We have a lot of research in our cancer space, our surgical and trauma space, heart and vascular neuroscience, neurology research. Our teams are really the support staff that go along with all of the physicians and help them make sure that the patients are going along on their research journey as they should."

Expanding access to research has been a priority as OhioHealth continues to grow its research capabilities across the state.

"Bringing all kinds of treatment options to our patients is really important," Sexton said. "We want to make sure that we can provide treatment opportunities not only on and off research, but close to where people live. As we grow, we expand those opportunities and give patients additional treatment therapies."

The integration of research tools into MyChart reflects that commitment to patient access. Through the platform, patients can learn more about ongoing studies, manage research preferences and, soon, browse studies and express interest directly through the app.

"For a number of reasons, it allows patients to more easily see the research studies that they're participating in at OhioHealth and how to reach the study team for those studies," Sexton said. "It also gives patients the opportunity to participate in some of our studies that may not have to do with treatment and may be more observational research studies that don't require coming into the clinic but still provide really important data to advancing our medicine and our care."

Patients can access research information in MyChart by selecting the Research Studies section from the menu. There, they can choose whether they would like to be contacted about future research opportunities. Patients who opt out can still discuss clinical trials and research studies with their physicians.

OhioHealth is also introducing additional features that will allow patients to personalize their research interests and connect more directly with study opportunities.

"There are a few different ways that they can find this information on MyChart," Sexton said. "In the Research Studies section, they can either opt in to be contacted about research or opt out. There's also an information card on the main screen where patients can fill out their profile, indicate what kind of research they might be interested in and whether they want to opt in or out."

Sexton said future enhancements will make participation even more seamless.

"Soon there will be some studies that patients can actually search and select to be interested in," she said.

The new MyChart features represent another step forward in OhioHealth's mission to bring innovative care and cutting-edge research closer to patients, giving more people the opportunity to contribute to discoveries that may shape the future of healthcare.

To learn more about research opportunities at OhioHealth and how to update your research preferences in MyChart, visit the OhioHealth Research Institute webpage or log in to your OhioHealth MyChart account.

• Columbus Fire Medic 11/Engine 11/EMS 17 was named Riverside Methodist Hospital’s EMS Unit of the Year.
• The unit was recognized for exceptional clinical skill, teamwork, communication and commitment to emergency patient care.
• The award highlights the strong partnership between Central Ohio EMS agencies and Riverside’s emergency and specialty care teams. 

The OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Emergency Department has named Columbus Fire Department Medic 11/Engine 11/EMS 17 its EMS Unit of the Year, recognizing the crew’s exceptional clinical skill, teamwork and commitment to delivering outstanding emergency care in the moments when it matters most.

The annual recognition honors an EMS unit that exemplifies excellence in pre-hospital medicine through rapid assessment, sound clinical judgment, seamless communication and unwavering dedication to patient care. Medic 11/Engine 11/EMS 17 demonstrated those qualities throughout the year, providing advanced emergency treatment while working in close partnership with Riverside’s emergency department and specialty care teams.

“EMS professionals are often the first link in a patient’s chain of survival, and the care they provide before a patient ever reaches our doors can make all the difference,” said Tina Solazzo, EMS Outreach Manager at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. “This group consistently demonstrates the professionalism, clinical excellence and teamwork that define outstanding emergency medical services. We are proud to recognize them as our EMS Unit of the Year and grateful for the partnership we share in caring for our community.”

The recognition also highlights the close collaboration between Central Ohio EMS agencies and the multidisciplinary teams at Riverside Methodist Hospital, where emergency physicians, nurses, trauma specialists, cardiologists and critical care teams work together to provide timely, lifesaving care.

“Exceptional patient outcomes begin long before a patient arrives at the hospital,” said Warren Yamarick, MD, Medical Director of the Riverside Methodist Hospital Emergency Department. “The skill, preparation and communication demonstrated by our EMS partners are essential to everything we do. M11 exemplifies the highest standards of emergency medicine, and this recognition reflects not only their clinical expertise but their commitment to working as one team with the hospital to provide the best possible care for our patients.”

OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital partners with EMS agencies throughout Central Ohio to advance emergency medical care through education, training, quality improvement initiatives and ongoing collaboration. The EMS Unit of the Year award recognizes the dedication of first responders whose expertise and partnership help improve outcomes for patients across the region.

The Olentangy Liberty High School students recognized a gap in the healthcare supply chain and saw an opportunity to give unused medical equipment a second life. This discovery led them to reach out to OhioHealth, where they connected with Jean Halpin, president of OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. Halpin responded to the students’ initial outreach and facilitated the connection with the system’s supply chain team.

“Glad you are doing this work. It saves the planet and helps others in our world,” Halpin told the Project MedBridge team.

That connection helped transform the students’ idea into a large-scale effort to redirect unused medical supplies to healthcare organizations that could use them.

“The supplies already existed, and the need already existed,” said Ben Kurian, team lead and junior at Olentangy Liberty High School. “What was missing was a way to connect the two.”

OhioHealth donated approximately $250,000 of medical supplies to Project MedBridge, including 9,393 boxes of 3M N95 respirator and 20,736 reusable hot-and-cold therapy packs. The supplies donated by OhioHealth are being distributed through Brother’s Brother Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based humanitarian organization that distributes medical supplies and equipment to hospitals worldwide.

“I was encouraged to learn there was an opportunity for these supplies to be utilized by organizations in need rather than being discarded,” Amy McFarland, OhioHealth senior consultant for supply chain, told the Delaware Source. “It is inspiring to see high school students demonstrate such a strong commitment to addressing both healthcare and environmental challenges.”

The students originally set a goal to collect around 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of medical supplies. With OhioHealth’s donation of more than 30,000 pounds the team quickly surpassed that goal and gained national recognition.

“At that point it wasn’t a hypothetical student project anymore. The biggest hospital system in our city was actually trusting us to figure out what happened next,” Vahin Dubey, outreach lead for Project MedBridge told the Delaware Source.

Project MedBridge was selected as one of 71 teams nationwide for the 2026 Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness class. As one of only two Ohio teams selected, the students received $7,500 in funding, along with access to a national network for young leaders.

“Being in a room with young people from across the country who were already building serious projects in their communities made it very clear that age doesn’t have to determine the scale of a problem you can take on,” Ben Kurian said. “Not even a week later, we were back in Ohio moving a donation larger than anything we could’ve dreamed of.”

With Project MedBridge’s first donation complete, they have set a new goal of redirecting 100,000 pounds of supplies by the end of 2027.

“This is the first,” said Naman Soni, operations lead for Project MedBridge. “The next step is making sure our work doesn’t stop with just one hospital.”

The 25-minute anti-rejection infusion he needs following liver and kidney transplants required a three-hour drive each way to Indianapolis. By the time Everhart made the trip there and back, he could be away from his office for six to nine hours.

Now, the trip takes about an hour.

Everhart now receives the infusion at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, just 15 minutes from home.

“It’s just much more convenient,” Everhart said. “I don’t have to pencil out all day at the office. I pencil out an hour and I’m back.”

The change came after Hardin Memorial’s pharmacy and infusion teams worked through the requirements needed to make Everhart’s medication available at the hospital. Because the medication was not initially on their formulary, Jake Abbott, advisor of pharmacy services, worked with care teams to determine what was needed to provide the treatment locally.

Although Everhart’s situation prompted the hospital to explore whether his treatment could be provided closer to home, the goal was bigger than finding a solution for one patient.

“We had the resources to do it,” Abbott said. “And it’s not just him. We want to help everyone.”

That effort is part of a broader push at Hardin Memorial to make more acute and specialty care available locally.

“They don’t need to be driving to Columbus. They don’t need to be driving out of state when they can get their infusion treatments here,” Abbott said.

Receiving an infusion locally can mean more than simply cutting down on miles. A long trip for a short treatment can require taking time off work, arranging transportation or finding someone to accompany a patient. For someone who is already not feeling well, the trip itself can be physically demanding.

“Any way we can get patients to come here and keep care local is a win,” Abbott said.

He encouraged patients who currently travel outside the community to reach out to Hardin Memorial to see whether their treatment may be available. Most patients can continue working with their existing physicians while receiving infusions at Hardin Memorial and the hospital can coordinate with a patient’s provider as needed.

Everhart said receiving his treatment at Hardin Memorial also brings familiarity. He has known many of the hospital’s employees for years and his wife, Kim, works as an administrative nurse manager.

“I have a team who I know personally, and I know they’re advocating for me,” Everhart said. “I’m just so blessed.”

After years of dealing with a chronic disease that damaged his liver, Everhart received a liver transplant in December 2022. He later received a kidney transplant in October 2023. His monthly infusion is part of the ongoing treatment needed to help prevent his body from rejecting the transplanted organs.

Everhart said he’s always been grateful for the care he’s received in Indianapolis. But for a treatment he needs every month, being able to receive it just 15 minutes from home has made a noticeable difference.

“I think it’s more than just convenience,” he said. “I think it actually keeps me healthier because I’m in a better mindset.”

The shorter trip means less time away from his work, his community and his family. Everhart said he hopes more people recognize what their local hospital has to offer.

“You have a lot of talented people working here who want to do good for the community. This is a tremendous facility, and people are missing out if they don’t use it.”

To learn more about Infusion Services at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, click here or contact (567) 295-6900.

Listen to our recent episode on WKTN’s Public Eye here.

• OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has earned Critical Access Hospital designation, strengthening its ability to provide care close to home.
• The designation provides greater flexibility and supports the hospital’s long-term sustainability as a rural healthcare provider.
• Van Wert Hospital successfully completed a comprehensive Joint Commission survey as part of the designation process

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has earned Critical Access Hospital designation, strengthening its ability to provide high-quality, patient-centered care while supporting the hospital's long-term sustainability and access to services close to home.

The Critical Access Hospital program was established to help rural hospitals maintain local access to care by providing additional flexibility through a cost-based Medicare reimbursement model.

“This designation helps ensure we can continue providing the care our community depends on, now and into the future,” said Paula Stabler, president, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “It strengthens our hospital, supports our caregivers and positions us to meet the healthcare needs of our community for years to come.”

With this designation, Van Wert Hospital joins other OhioHealth rural hospitals operating under the Critical Access Hospital model, including OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital and OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital.

Critical Access Hospitals are designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and must meet specific operational and regulatory requirements. As part of the designation process, Van Wert Hospital successfully completed a comprehensive Joint Commission survey assessing its compliance with nationally recognized standards for quality and patient safety through on-site observations and reviews of clinical and operational processes.

“Our priority is always making sure our patients receive safe, compassionate care," said Leslie Beining, chief nursing officer, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. "Critical Access Hospital designation gives our teams the flexibility and resources needed to provide that care and support the needs of our community.”

Van Wert Hospital leaders said they remain focused on providing trusted, patient-focused care throughout the transition. 

To learn more, visit jointcommission.org/accreditation/critical-access-hospital.

• Vicki Vogel has donated handmade hats, blankets, booties and other baby items to OhioHealth Marion General Hospital for years.
• Her gifts are distributed to families in the hospital’s labor and delivery unit, including those with premature babies and those experiencing loss.
• Vicki began making the gifts as a way to thank David Foulk, MD for the care she received over more than four decades.

Before a newborn ever wears one of Vicki Vogel’s handmade hats, the gift has already been made with intention and love.

For years, Vicki has crocheted hats, blankets, booties and other keepsakes for babies and families at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. Her creations are shared with families in the hospital’s labor and delivery unit, including parents of premature babies and those experiencing the loss of a child.

“With each stitch, I’m praying for the child that gets it,” Vicki said. “Just each stitch, each stitch.”

The idea began as a way for Vicki to give back after years of gratitude for the care she received from David Foulk, MD, OB/GYN and her OhioHealth providers. More than four decades ago, Dr. Foulk became her physician, and Vicki wanted to find a meaningful way to express her appreciation.

“I just wanted to do something to express thanks,” Vicki said. “Forty-one years ago, I became his patient, and he did something surgical that got me back living. How do you repay something like that?”

Vicki asked her sister, a longtime neonatal nurse, what she could do that would be meaningful and useful.

“She didn’t even hesitate,” Vicki said. “She said, ‘Do this. Make baby things, and he’ll give them to people. You’re blessing him, and you’re blessing the babies.’”

Since then, Vicki has filled shopping bags with handmade treasures that Dr. Foulk and the OB/GYN team deliver to labor and delivery. Nurses provide the gifts to families, allowing parents to choose a hat or blanket they love for their newborn.

One of Vicki’s most meaningful gifts was created for Ashley Boldman, surgical coordinator at the OB/GYN office.

When Ashley was pregnant with her son, she shared with Vicki that she had previously lost a daughter due to congenital heart and kidney defects. That experience played a role in Ashley’s decision to work in OB/GYN and support other families experiencing loss.

Vicki was moved by her story and just a week later, Ashley received a special handmade gift from Vicki: a quilt, booties and bibs for her son. The red and blue quilt was designed for a baby boy, but Vicki added one small pink teddy bear in the center as a reminder of his little sister.

“She made sure that someone who wasn’t even born yet would never forget someone he never met,” Ashley said. “That was amazing to me.”

She said the gift brought both tears and comfort.

“You always worry that someone’s going to forget the people that you lose,” she said. “The fact that someone took the time to remember someone so special to me and make sure that my son had a piece of his sister was incredible.”

Although Vicki’s gifts have touched many, she typically does not meet the families who receive her creations.

“I prefer not to,” Vicki said. “Because it’s so much more fun. I like envisioning Dr. Foulk doing it.”

Each handmade gift carries Vicki’s hope that families feel cared for.

“Especially the lost ones,” she said. “I want them to feel comfort.”

Dr. Foulk said Vicki’s generosity reflects who she is.

“She’s amazing,” he said. “I know she doesn’t want recognition, but I thought it was time she got some. She’s an accomplished, gifted and talented artist, seamstress, needle worker, baker, chef and has a poetic flare with words. She’s a strong Christian with a generous servant’s heart.”

And for Vicki, the reason behind the work is simple.

“I guess I want to make the Lord proud of me when I finally get home,” she said. “I just want to hear, ‘well done.’”

• OhioHealth Marion General’s Grow Your Own Medical Staff program gives local students hands-on experience and mentorship as they explore careers in medicine.
• Several Marion physicians are program alumni who returned to practice in the community and now help mentor the next generation.
• The program’s first participant since its 2023 relaunch has been accepted into medical school, bringing its goal of growing future Marion physicians full circle.

A familiar face can make a difference in healthcare. At OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, that belief is at the heart of the Grow Your Own Medical Staff program, an initiative that invests in local students interested in pursuing careers in medicine.

“The Grow Your Own program is designed for students in Marion and surrounding communities who want to become physicians,” said Kerrie Reinhard, director of Medical Staff Affairs at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital and head of the program. “We offer them an opportunity to work in the hospital setting and gain experience with the hope that eventually they will come back and practice here.”

The program originally existed at Marion General years ago before being relaunched in 2023 to continue that investment in the next generation of providers. Several physicians currently practicing at Marion General were once Grow Your Own participants themselves and now help guide the program as part of the steering committee.

“The greatest feeling is knowing that there’s quite a few of us that have gone through the program and the program works because we came back to our hometown and we’re giving back to the community that gave so much to us,” said Heather Columber, DO, OhioHealth family medicine physician and Grow Your Own program alumna.

Participants work as patient support assistants while also connecting with physicians, shadowing different specialties and learning more about careers in medicine.

For Delaney Tabbert, a Grow Your Own participant who is beginning medical school this August, the experience helped confirm her career path.

“I definitely attribute this program to one of my main reasons for deciding that I wanted to become a physician,” Tabbert said.

As a patient support assistant in the emergency department, she gained experience taking vital signs, performing EKGs, assisting with CPR, transporting patients and learning how hospital teams work together.

Beyond clinical skills, students gain confidence and a better understanding of what it means to care for people in their own community.

“Recruiting to a smaller community isn’t always easy,” Dr. Columber said. “But what we do have is caring for people that you live with or that you go to church with, that your kids go to school with. Medicine is about building relationships.”

That focus on relationships is a key part of the Grow Your Own experience. Each student is paired with physician mentors who help guide them throughout the program. Physician champions provide support within different specialties, giving students someone to learn from and envision as a future example.

The program also creates opportunities for students to connect with medical students and residents, who share their experiences navigating the path to becoming a physician. Students also learn more about physician opportunities and community needs through OhioHealth provider recruitment leaders.

“The personal connections that these students are now making, I think that is what makes it so special and just so different,” Dr. Columber said. “I made great relationships with some of the providers that I worked with, and they are some of my greatest colleagues now and long-term friends.”

For Beth Hardwick, a Grow Your Own participant and aspiring physician, those relationships have helped shape the kind of physician she hopes to become.

Hardwick was mentored by Dr. Columber and said watching her care for patients with a deep understanding of their lives outside the hospital showed her the importance of practicing medicine in a community where you know the people you serve.

One experience especially stood out. While working in the postpartum unit, Hardwick cared for a patient who lived nearby and whom she knew personally. She later saw the patient and her new baby at home in the community.

“Being able to care for her and her new child was really cool,” Hardwick said. “I get to see them doing well, and that was a really cool moment for me. That’s the benefit of working where you live.”

“Finding students in this area that want to become physicians, want to come back, work in their hometown, take care of their neighbors and their friends — that’s something really special,” Reinhard said.

And she’s already seeing that vision come to life.

“We had our first student get accepted into medical school,” Reinhard said. “I’m so proud of her and looking forward to seeing her come back and practice in Marion someday.”

Applications for the Grow Your Own Medical Staff Program open mid-November and remain open through Feb. 1. Students interested in learning more can contact Kerrie Reinhard at 740-383-8671 beginning in November.

• OhioHealth Marion General Hospital nurses connected with community members while providing first aid support at the Marion Women’s Club’s ice cream social.
• Nurses heard firsthand from neighbors about their positive experiences receiving care at Marion General.
• OhioHealth and the Marion Women’s Club share a longstanding commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the Marion community.

A familiar face at the hospital can mean a lot to a patient. But sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen outside hospital walls.

OhioHealth Marion General Hospital associates found new ways to connect while volunteering at the Marion Women's Club's Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Social, where emergency department nurses Courtney Jorgensen and Haley White provided first aid support.

Held at the Marion Women’s Club property on July 19, the free event brought residents together for an afternoon of history, music and fellowship, featuring Riverside Dairy ice cream, lawn games, special displays and tours of the Club’s historic home historic home and the newly dedicated Women's History Resource Center, which houses the Club's collection of archives.

For Jorgensen and White, the afternoon offered an opportunity to serve the community in a different way, meeting neighbors, hearing their stories and learning more about the impact Marion General Hospital has had on their lives.

“It was really memorable when people came up and shared their stories,” Jorgensen said. “They would tell us about their experiences at the hospital and how well they were cared for. It was nice to be in the community hearing those positive stories.”

Although the first aid station was there in case anyone needed assistance, the afternoon became more about conversations and connections.

“People would come up to us and say, ‘You look kind of lonely,’” Jorgensen said. “We would tell them that’s actually a good thing because we’re here just in case of an emergency, but we’re happy to help in any way that’s needed. It helps bridge the gap between healthcare and everyday life. We’re not only here when you’re sick, we’re also here when you’re healthy.”

White said it was rewarding to meet people in a different setting and hear their experiences at the hospital.

“It demonstrates our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community beyond the walls of Marion General Hospital,” White said. “It was nice to connect with people and show them that OhioHealth is invested in their health and well-being, not just when they’re a patient but every day.”

Jamie Cunningham, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, said associates’ involvement in events like this reflects the compassion they bring to their work.

"Our associates care deeply about the people they serve, and events like this are another way they can connect outside the hospital," Cunningham said. "Those moments help build trust and strengthen the relationships that are at the heart of great patient care."

The partnership between OhioHealth and the Marion Women’s Club is rooted in a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community. Founded in 1895, the Marion Women’s Club has a long history of supporting public health initiatives, including advocating for the creation of Marion General Hospital.

“Health and public health have been a longstanding focus of the Marion Women’s Club,” said Valerie Wigton, president of the Marion Women’s Club. “We have always looked for opportunities to partner with organizations that care about the health and welfare of our community, and OhioHealth has been a wonderful partner.”

Over the years, Marion General Hospital and the Marion Women’s Club have collaborated on a variety of initiatives, including the Marion Women’s Club Gala, Women’s Wellness Wednesdays and Handbags for Hope, a program that supports individuals served by local domestic violence shelters.

“We feel very blessed and honored to have OhioHealth Marion General Hospital as one of our longtime partners,” Wigton said. “We look forward to continuing to work together to improve our community.”

It's a partnership Marion General Hospital hopes will continue for years to come.

“We’re fortunate to have partners like the Marion Women’s Club,” said Jim Parobek, president, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. “We want people to know we’re invested in this community every day. Whether we’re caring for patients in the hospital or partnering at events like this, we’re proud to support what makes Marion such a strong community.”

To learn more about OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, click here.

To learn more about the Marion Women’s Club, visit marionwomensclub.org.

• OhioHealth has opened a Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic
• The clinic is designed to help reduce uncertainty by helping patients with concerning symptoms, abnormal imaging or lab results, or provider referrals get answers sooner.
• Patients receive coordinated support in one place, with a team that helps organize testing, referrals and next steps instead of leaving patients to navigate multiple appointments alone.
• An appointment does not mean a cancer diagnosis; the goal is to investigate concerns, determine the cause and connect patients to appropriate care using evidence-based national guidelines.

When cancer is suspected, waiting for results can feel like a lifetime. The new OhioHealth Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic helps shorten that wait time by connecting patients with coordinated testing and specialists sooner.

The clinic, which is located inside the Bing Cancer Center, opened on July 6 and serves as a centralized point of access for patients who have experienced abnormal image or lab results, a new lump, mass, or swelling, unexplained weight loss or a referral from a provider. Rather than scheduling multiple appointments through many websites and facilities, the team at the clinic helps organize further testings and referrals to streamline the process.

“One of the hardest parts for patients isn’t always the diagnosis itself, but the uncertainty that comes before it. The clinic will help shorten that period of waiting by giving patients one team to guide them through the process and help find answers as quickly as possible,” said Meghan Newman, PA-C, Director, Advanced Practice Providers.

It is important to note that having or creating an appointment at the clinic does not mean you have cancer. The clinic investigates symptoms or previous findings to determine if cancer is the cause, and facilitates the next steps of finding appropriate care.

If the test results find that the patient does have cancer or another condition, the team will create a personalized care plan as quickly as possible and connect you directly to the treatment team. The clinic follows evidence-based guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) to give trustworthy evaluations and access to care.

“Every patient's situation and experience is different, which is why our team makes sure that we use a thoughtful and evidence-based approach during evaluations,” Newman said. “We want patients to know they can trust that their care is guided by national standards and supported by experienced specialists every step of the way.”

The Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic is now accepting referrals from healthcare providers, and patients can also contact the clinic directly to schedule an evaluation.

Click here to learn more information about the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic.

• A Wellness on Wheels visit connected Tonya Hall with a care team that helped her begin rebuilding her health and life.
• Family medicine physician Dorvan Byler, DO, focused on Hall’s potential rather than her circumstances, helping her build trust in care and in herself.
• OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels brings primary care and other essential health services directly into communities, serving nearly 1,000 patients each year.

For Tonya Hall, the first step toward rebuilding her life began with a visit to an OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels mobile unit during her stay at the Van Buren Shelter. It was there she met family medicine physician Dorvan Byler, DO — a relationship she says changed her life.

"About three years ago, when I stepped into the Van Buren Shelter, I was a mess," Hall said. "I was homeless. I was into my addiction. I had so many health issues.”

Wellness on Wheels brings OhioHealth providers into neighborhoods and community locations where access to healthcare is limited, providing primary care and other services — including women’s health, prenatal and postpartum care and preventive screenings — while connecting patients with additional resources.

Like many people without consistent access to care, Hall said she expected Dr. Byler to see only her circumstances.

“When I met him, I had this idea that I'm going to step on this bus,” she said. “I'm just going to have him fix what I'm coming here for."

Instead, she found a physician and team who saw beyond her circumstances.

"The way Dr. Byler looked at me, I still have that picture in my memory," Hall said. "It kind of struck me and stayed with me. To this day, I have never missed an appointment. He changed my whole life."

That’s the same approach Dr. Byler brings to every patient: focusing on the person, not just the challenges in front of them.

"It is really easy to kind of put patients into buckets of the patterns we've seen in the past with patients who are in those places," he said. "If you do that, then you miss a lot."

After just a few visits, he recognized Hall's determination.

"It was pretty apparent after even just a couple times meeting Tonya that she has a thing in her that's ready to overcome," he said. "She's saying I fixed her, but really I just believed her, convinced her to trust herself and helped her through a couple things. Then she figured her life out."

When Hall left the shelter, her relationship with Dr. Byler didn’t end. He continued caring for her as she found stable housing and transportation, regained her health and built the life she has today.

"We worked it together because I didn't know that was my change. I didn't know that was the beginning of me and my new life," she said. "This is my lifelong doctor."

For Dr. Byler, seeing Hall's transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of caring for patients through Wellness on Wheels.

"She's one of the reasons that I do this job. Watching someone come out of a space where everything's kind of falling apart, and then you just help them a little bit. You just have to trust them a little, show them a little bit of care,” he said. “Now look at her. It's really rewarding."

Today, Hall says she has a renewed sense of purpose and a future she once couldn't imagine.

"You have changed my life," she told Dr. Byler. "I love who I am today. I love it."

For those facing barriers to healthcare, a visit to Wellness on Wheels can be the first step toward building a relationship with a healthcare team. Each year, the program serves nearly 1,000 patients across central and southeast Ohio, helping ensure that cost does not prevent them from getting the services they need. The mobile units operate much like traditional primary care and women's health offices and connect individuals with additional resources when needed.

To learn more about OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels, click here.

If you want to support mobile healthcare in your community, visit OhioHealth Community Outreach - OhioHealth Foundation.

• Christopher Johnson, DO, of OhioHealth Family Medicine, is educating the community on symptoms, risks and when to seek care.
• People should wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to help reduce infection risk.
• Symptoms can come and go in waves and may last more than a month without treatment.
• Higher-risk groups include older adults, children, pregnant women, people with chronic illness and those with kidney issues.
• Hydration and electrolyte balance are especially important during illness and recovery.

As cases of Cyclosporiasis continue to rise across Ohio, OhioHealth Family Medicine Physician Christopher Johnson, DO, is helping educate the community about the outbreak, its symptoms and when to seek medical care.

The Columbus Dispatch recently spoke with Dr. Johnson as Ohio ranks among the states with the highest reported cases of cyclosporiasis. While the illness is not typically life-threatening, it can still cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common include stomach pain and cramps, intense diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite cyclospora and is most commonly spread through contaminated fresh produce or untreated water. While health officials are still investigating the source of the current outbreak, experts recommend washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce the risk of the infection.

Dr. Johnson told the Dispatch that individuals who believe have the illness should seek medical care so they can be tested and receive appropriate treatment. Without treatment, symptoms come and go in waves and can last for more than a month.

“Elderly people, children, pregnant women and those with disabilities or chronic illness can be more severely impacted by cyclosporiasis. People with kidney issues should be especially careful and seek medical care right away, as dehydration can be particularly detrimental,” Dr. Johnson told the Dispatch.

Because hydration is one of the biggest concerns with cyclosporiasis, people with existing kidney disease may be at greater risk for complications. The kidneys play a vital role in keeping the body balanced by filtering waste and regulating fluid and electrolyte levels, making proper hydration especially important during recovery.

“Even if you are cured of the illness,” Dr. Johnson said, “you should still prioritize rest and hydration as your body recovers from fighting the parasite. Don’t plan on being at work the day after the diarrhea stops.”

Cyclosporiasis is typically treated with the antibiotic trimenthoprim-sulfamenthoxazole, commonly sold under the brand names Bactrim, Cotrim and Septra. Along with the antibiotic, Dr. Johnson encourages patients to stay well hydrated.

“Anyone with the illness should be vigilant about hydrating, resting and keeping electrolyte levels up,” Dr. Johnson said.

As public health officials continue to investigate the outbreak, OhioHealth encourages anyone experiencing prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical care for evaluation and treatment.

• OhioHealth Marion General Hospital earned multiple American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® awards for excellence in stroke care.
• The awards recognize the hospital's commitment to following the latest research-based stroke treatment guidelines, helping improve patient outcomes and reduce readmissions.
• The achievement reflects the dedication of Marion General Hospital's physicians, nurses, therapists, EMS partners and support staff to delivering high-quality stroke care close to home.

OhioHealth Marion General Hospital has received multiple American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating a commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, helping save lives, support recovery and reduce hospital readmissions.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. Studies show patients can experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such an exceptional team of physicians, nurses, therapists, EMS partners, and support staff at Marion General Hospital,” said Melodie Little, RN, Stroke Program coordinator. “Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence make a difference in the lives of our stroke patients. I am incredibly proud of our program.”

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest science-backed guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, Marion General Hospital qualified for the awards by demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving the quality of cardiovascular care.

“Marion General Hospital is committed to delivering high-quality care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely, appropriate care for strokes,” said Jim Parobek, president, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. “Get With The Guidelines programs help our teams put proven science into practice every day, supporting better outcomes so more people in our community can live longer, healthier lives.”

This year, Marion General Hospital received these achievement awards:

• Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Gold

“These awards reflect OhioHealth Marion General Hospital's commitment to caring for people in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Marion General Hospital can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for patients, families and health care systems.”

About Get With The Guidelines

Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

• OhioHealth now offers a kidney transplant program at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, allowing patients to receive transplant evaluation, surgery and follow-up care within one integrated health system.
• The program is designed around the patient experience, reducing handoffs between providers while delivering coordinated, compassionate care through a multidisciplinary transplant team.
• Led by experienced transplant surgeons and transplant nephrologists, the program provides advanced surgical expertise, innovative technology and individualized treatment plans for patients with advanced kidney disease.
• Patients and families receive support throughout the transplant journey, from education and evaluation to surgery, recovery and long-term care, helping them make informed decisions with confidence.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — OhioHealth is expanding access to advanced care for patients with kidney disease through the launch of its Kidney Transplant Program at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.

The new program allows patients to receive every phase of their transplant journey, from evaluation and surgery to recovery and follow-up, within the OhioHealth system. OhioHealth is providing patients with coordinated, compassionate care designed to reduce stress and improve the overall transplant experience under the care of a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

For many people living with advanced kidney disease, a kidney transplant can offer greater independence, increased energy and freedom from dialysis. The OhioHealth Kidney Transplant Program is designed to ensure patients and their families feel informed, supported and connected throughout every step of that journey.

“Receiving a kidney transplant is one of the most significant moments in a patient’s life, and our responsibility extends far beyond the operating room,” said Hannah Kerr, MD, MBA, transplant surgeon at OhioHealth. “We have built this program to provide exceptional surgical care while surrounding patients with a dedicated team that communicates closely, supports their goals and walks beside them throughout their transplant journey.”

Patients undergoing evaluation for transplantation receive care from a multidisciplinary team that includes transplant surgeons, transplant nephrologists, advanced practice providers, transplant coordinators, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers and financial counselors. Together, the team develops individualized care plans while helping patients and caregivers navigate every aspect of the process.

The program also provides evaluation for both deceased and living donor kidney transplantation. Living donor transplantation may offer shorter waiting times, improved long-term outcomes and the ability to schedule surgery in advance for eligible patients.

“Kidney transplantation is not simply about replacing an organ.  It’s about restoring health, independence and hope,” said Salma Shaikhouni, MD, transplant nephrologist at OhioHealth. “Our goal is to ensure every patient understands their options and receives personalized care that reflects their medical needs, their values and the life they want to return to.”

OhioHealth’s integrated approach allows patients to remain within one trusted health system throughout their care, creating stronger communication among providers, fewer transitions and greater continuity during their complex medical journey.

Individuals with end-stage kidney disease or advanced chronic kidney disease who are interested in learning more about transplantation are encouraged to speak with their physician or contact the OhioHealth Kidney Transplant Program directly.

For more information, go to https://www.ohiohealth.com/campaigns/kidney-transplant

or call (614) 544-4269.

About OhioHealth

OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based health system serving patients across Ohio through a network of hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory sites and health services. Guided by its mission to improve the health of those it serves, OhioHealth provides compassionate, high-quality care while advancing medical innovation, education and community wellness.

• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital’s $2 million MRI department is expanding access to advanced imaging in Hardin County, offering MRI services five days a week instead of relying on a limited mobile unit.
• The new large-bore MRI scanner is designed to create a quieter, more comfortable experience for patients, especially those who may feel claustrophobic or anxious during imaging.
• Since opening, the department has completed nearly 700 MRI exams, reduced the need for patient transfers and helped providers deliver faster diagnoses and treatment plans closer to home.

It's one thing to interpret MRI scans every day in a clinic. It's another to lie inside the machine yourself and experience every sound and sensation firsthand.

For Aaron Fritz, DO, orthopedic surgeon at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, that shift happened earlier this year when he became one of the first patients to use the hospital's new MRI department.

When Dr. Fritz needed an MRI for a musculoskeletal condition of his own, he found himself on the other side of care.

"My rheumatologist asked if I could get it done locally," he said. "I said absolutely, we have a brand-new one."

Experiencing the MRI as a patient gave him a new perspective on an investment he now sees benefiting his own patients every day.

"I don't think I got VIP treatment," he said. "I think that's how they treat everybody."

He was impressed not only by the kindness and professionalism of the imaging team, but also by the scanner itself.

"The machine was very quiet," Dr. Fritz said. "The biggest complaints I hear from patients are claustrophobia and the loud noise, and this was a big improvement."

The new MRI features a large-bore design that creates a more spacious feel than many traditional scanners, making the experience more comfortable for patients of all body types. Interim director of imaging, Dylan Black, said the newer technology also operates more quietly than older MRI systems.

"Those who are claustrophobic can tolerate a scan in this unit better," Black said. "It's more comfortable and easier for patients."

The $2 million MRI department was designed to strengthen access to advanced imaging across Hardin County, bringing services closer to home and improving how quickly patients can receive answers. Prior to December 2025, MRI services were provided through a mobile unit that limited availability to just a few days each week, making it more difficult to accommodate urgent needs without delay or transfer.

"We wanted to improve patient access and bring MRI services here five days a week," said Black. "We looked at it and said, 'We can do better.'"

The impact was immediate. On the department's first day, the team completed an inpatient MRI that otherwise would have required a transfer. Today, care teams are seeing faster access to imaging, quicker diagnoses and fewer delays in care.

Since opening, the MRI department has:

• Completed close to 700 MRI exams.
• Expanded MRI availability to five days per week.
• Reduced the need for patient transfers for MRI services.
• Improved turnaround time from provider order to diagnosis.

For physicians like Dr. Fritz, those improvements mean patients can get answers and begin treatment sooner. The upgraded scanner also produces clearer images, helping physicians make more accurate diagnoses while making it easier for patients to understand their conditions.

"We want to save patients that travel time," Dylan said. "The more care we can provide here, the better it is for our community."

For Dr. Fritz, becoming one of the department's first patients reinforced what the investment is really about.

"Having this technology here means our patients can receive high-quality care closer to home," he said. "That's a win for everyone."

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about imaging services at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, click here.

• More than 120 survivors, caregivers and care team members attended OhioHealth Marion General Hospital's first Cancer Survivor Celebration Dinner during Cancer Survivor Month.
• The inaugural event celebrated hope, resilience and survivorship for patients at every stage of the cancer journey.
• Survivors and care teams reinforced a simple message: no one faces cancer alone.

Four illuminated letters, H-O-P-E, stood at the front of the auditorium at Tri-Rivers Career Center, setting the tone for OhioHealth Marion General Hospital’s first Cancer Survivor Celebration Dinner.

More than 120 survivors, caregivers and care team members filled the auditorium for the inaugural event - held during cancer survivor month to recognize survivorship and bring together patients across all stages of care in one shared space.

"You're a survivor from that very first day," said Lucinda Pfeifer, program manager, Marion Cancer Services. "Because you do fight, you come prepared to beat cancer."

The celebration marked the first event of its kind for OhioHealth Marion, welcoming patients who are newly diagnosed, actively receiving treatment or in remission. Guests gathered for dinner, entertainment, photos and conversation with others who have shared similar experiences.

"It's important to recognize patients' strengths because I think sometimes they forget that they are strong, that they can get through this," Pfeifer said. "This helps remind them that they are fighting. They are survivors, and we're here to support them."

Survivor Jo Walters shared her story during the event, encouraging others to focus on hope and perseverance.

"You all have stories. You all have your own experiences," Walters said. "But I wanted to share with you my story to let you know that, yes, there is a bright light at the end of this adventure. Cancer is a word. It's not a sentence. And it doesn't define you."

Pfeifer said the event also highlighted the broader network of support involved in cancer care.

"Nobody goes through a cancer journey alone," she said. "From medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion, registration and navigation teams, this evening celebrates the support we can provide to help patients through their journey."

Walters said that sense of support is what stood out most.

"They're wonderful. They are absolutely wonderful," she said. "They're there to support you in whatever way they can. This is an awesome event because it brings together survivors and people who are just diagnosed, and we can all share in this for one night."

Survivor Renee Hildreth also shared encouragement for those early in their diagnosis.

"It’s baby steps. Don't try to just leap into it. I’m five years out and I'm still taking baby steps," she said. "Groups are there and they’re well needed. You’re never alone, never alone."

To learn more about the OhioHealth Marion Cancer Center and their support services, click here.

• OhioHealth has opened a new $17 million radiation oncology clinic in Westerville, expanding local access to cancer treatment with an 11,000‑square‑foot facility and state‑of‑the‑art technology.
• The center features a new linear accelerator, a dedicated radiation oncology CT, and a mobile PET/CT pad, enabling highly customized treatment plans developed by radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and medical physicists.
• Patient and community safety is a core focus, supported by real‑time monitoring systems and heavily reinforced concrete walls—requiring roughly 500 yards of concrete—to ensure safe delivery of daily radiation treatments close to home

Cancer patients who live in and near Westerville have a new treatment option available right in their community.  As of June 28, an 11,000 square foot, one-story building addition at the OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus brings a brand new radiation oncology clinic.

The $17 million investment in the community includes:

• A linear accelerator (LINAC), which uses high energy x-rays and electrons that are customized to each patient’s cancer. It works to destroy the cancer cells, while sparing normal tissue. Radiation oncologists work with a dosimetrist and medical physicists to develop a highly customized treatment plan for each patient.
• A dedicated radiation oncology CT machine.
• A mobile PET/CT pad.

Construction on the addition began in May 2025. 

“Patients receiving radiation as part of their cancer treatment are typically treated Monday through Friday, sometimes for several weeks,” said Andrew Freeman, MD, chief of radiation oncology at OhioHealth. “OhioHealth’s goal is to keep quality care close to home which is why we continue to make these investments in local communities like Westerville.

Safety is the top priority for patients and staff, as well as those in and around the facility. Safety measures, such as a real-time audio/visual system to monitor patients during their treatment and constructed concrete walls up to 7’ ¼” thick help to ensure safety.  Fun fact: the entire pour was roughly 500 yards of concrete, which is equal to roughly 50 concrete trucks!

Click here to learn more about the radiation oncology program at OhioHealth.

The contract provisions in question date back as far as two decades and were designed to provide protections to OhioHealth from specific insurance company practices common at the time. Since then, both the healthcare and insurance landscapes have changed. 

OhioHealth periodically renegotiates these contracts with various payors in a highly competitive market. Payors have always retained flexibility in designing and offering healthcare plans to meet the needs of employers and consumers. Notably, no insurer had requested that OhioHealth remove any of the provisions that were the focus of the lawsuit. 

As a not-for-profit, faith-based healthcare system, OhioHealth’s priority has always been and continues to be providing patients and their families with high-quality, accessible, affordable healthcare across the communities it serves. OhioHealth is choosing to resolve this lawsuit to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. 

OhioHealth is a leader in providing high-quality care to our patients, with many of its hospitals receiving high Medicare Star ratings when compared to other area facilities. OhioHealth partners closely with the communities it serves to build programming and services that address healthcare disparities, improve outcomes, and deliver an industry-leading patient experience across Ohio. 

Key takeaways:

• OhioHealth does not admit that there was any wrongdoing.
• OhioHealth will not pay penalties, fines or damages, and welcomes the opportunity to promote transparency around how our patients and their insurance pay for healthcare.
• OhioHealth believes in competition and is committed to earning the trust of our patients and their families through industry-leading patient experience, quality outcomes and safety, physician and associate engagement, and deep collaboration with our communities to provide affordable, local services.
• The agreement will be submitted to the court for approval and final judgment will be available to the public.

• Students explore healthcare careers through a behind-the-scenes tour of OhioHealth Marion General Hospital.
• Project Inspire brings classroom lessons to life with hands-on experiences focused on leadership, teamwork and communication.
• OhioHealth invests in the next generation by building community connections and introducing students to future career opportunities.

As another school year comes to a close, second-grade students from Benjamin Harrison and Heritage elementary schools got a behind-the-scenes look inside OhioHealth Marion General Hospital.

For Benjamin Harrison students, the visit marked the culmination of Project Inspire, a partnership that introduces students to the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People through hands-on lessons focused on teamwork, communication, leadership and resilience. Throughout the school year, OhioHealth associates visit classrooms to help bring those lessons to life.

"Project Inspire is a Stephen Covey-inspired program for elementary students that teaches kids the seven habits of being successful," said Michelle Murray, PT, OhioHealth director, Rehabilitation Services. "It helps them build on those skills as they go through elementary school until high school."

For Benjamin Harrison teacher Laurie Newell, who helped implement Project Inspire starting in 2016, the hospital visits are the highlight of the program.

"They absolutely love this day and learn so much from every individual that they meet,” Newell said. "Many of them saw parents or relatives today that are here working. It brings it down to home for them that this is a great place to work. There are so many jobs that they do not realize are actually here."

This year, Heritage Elementary students also participated in the hospital tour for the first time, giving them an opportunity to explore healthcare careers and learn more about the hospital environment. Students toured departments throughout the hospital, including the emergency department, laboratory, pharmacy, surgery and nutrition services.

"Sometimes the hospital can mean scary things," said Heritage teacher, Jill Shore. "It was really nice to let them explore the hospital without being scared. Nobody was sick, and the kids were so excited and so engaged."

Marion City Schools Board of Education member, Evan Geyer, said opportunities like the hospital tour help students see the hospital in a new light.

"Just having a local partner like OhioHealth so the kids can get out and explore is important," Geyer said. "Hospitals aren't just a scary place. They're a comforting place where people go and get taken care of. It also opens their eyes to opportunities that exist within the hospital for future career exploration."

For OhioHealth, programs like Project Inspire and opportunities to welcome students into the hospital are an investment in the community's future.

"It's very important to build trust in the community, even from a young age," Murray said. "We're going to be there to support them and help them heal."

• Columbus Crew players visited OhioHealth maternity units at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital on June 2 and OhioHealth Doctors Hospital on June 4. 
• The visits are part of the lead-up to Columbus Crew's Hometown Proud Night, presented by OhioHealth, on July 22, 2026. 
• Players met families, patients and associates, delivering gifts including custom onesies, towel wraps and birthday cards for newborns. 
• Babies born at OhioHealth hospitals on July 22 will receive a special gold onesie tied to the match’s gold-out t-shirt giveaway. 

In honor of Hometown Proud Night presented by OhioHealth on July 22, 2026, Columbus Crew players visited OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital on June 2 and OhioHealth Doctors Hospital on June 4 to thank and inspire current and future generations of Crew fans.

The players visited OhioHealth hospitals to share their gratitude with families and welcome their newest, and youngest, fans to the Crew family. Riverside Methodist welcomed Rudy Camacho, Dylan Chambost and Sean Zawadzki on June 2 and Doctors Hospital welcomed Evan Bush, Cesar Ruvalcaba and Patrick Schulte on June 4. The players delivered gifts to families, patients, and associates. The gifts to the families included specially designed onesies, towel wraps, and birthday cards to open on future birthdays. 

As the Crew and OhioHealth celebrate Hometown Proud Night on July 22, fans attending the match will receive a a gold-out t-shirt and all babies born at OhioHealth hospitals that day will receive a gold onesie with a matching design.

OhioHealth and the Crew share a common commitment to making a positive impact in the community and uplifting everyone who makes Columbus what it is today - including the next generation.

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awarded OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital a 5-star overall hospital quality rating for 2026
• The hospital is among 384 hospitals nationwide and 18 in Ohio to receive the 5-star designation
• Van Wert Hospital also earned a separate 5-star rating for cleanliness

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has earned a 5-star overall hospital quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2026, the highest rating possible through the program.

The CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings are designed to help patients and families compare hospitals based on measures tied to quality and safety. The 2026 ratings evaluate hospitals across five categories, including mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience and timely and effective care.

“These recognitions come from the dedication our teams bring to patients every day,” said Paula Stabler, president of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “We are deeply committed to caring for patients like family, and we’re proud to provide the kind of high-quality care our community deserves close to home.”

Van Wert Hospital was among 384 hospitals nationwide and 18 in Ohio to receive a 5-star rating this year. The hospital also received a 5-star rating for cleanliness based on patient survey responses.

“We are committed to providing a clean, safe environment to all of our patients, visitors and associates,” said Paul Bohner, manager of Environmental Services at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “This would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the entire environmental services team.”

CMS star ratings are based on publicly reported hospital performance data collected by the federal government. The methodology is intended to provide consumers with a simplified overall summary of hospital quality performance.

These recognitions add to a growing list of national honors for Van Wert Hospital, including being named earlier this year among the nation’s Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals by the National Rural Health Association.

The full list of 2026 CMS 5-star quality hospitals is available here. The list of hospitals receiving 5-star cleanliness ratings is available here.

Q: What are the most significant advancements in cancer care our system is prioritizing over the next 1–3 years?

Dr. Simon: It’s an exciting time for the OhioHealth Cancer Care program as we have several initiatives that are currently underway.  This includes:

*The Supportive and Palliative Care Clinic will enable us to provide better palliative care and improved quality of life for our patients across the system.  This outpatient program will be coordinated centrally and offered virtually to patients in the region, making care as convenient as possible for patients and their families.

*Through the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic, we will accelerate the cancer diagnostic and staging process, getting patients to their cancer related treatments sooner. This can reduce the anxiety felt by patients who are waiting for diagnosis and definitive answers, as well as lead to better patient satisfaction and potentially better outcomes since patients are starting their treatments as soon as possible.

*We are also looking to expand our non‑invasive treatment options like histotripsy, where patients can be treated by techniques which do not require surgery.  In some of these cases previously, surgery or radiation would have been required, leading to longer recovery times or more side effects.  Where possible, we’re looking for opportunities to treat patients as conveniently as possible, without compromising on effectiveness, to get patients back to their lives so they can keep making plans.

*Advanced treatments are available to all patients, if needed, through our highly specialized centers located in Columbus.  This includes CAR‑T therapies (coming later this summer), targeted immune therapies, antibody‑based treatments, radioactive medicines, and tumor‑treating fields. In addition, we are offering highly specialized robotic surgeries for most cancers, while still preserving our ability to do surgeries using traditional techniques if the specific clinical situation requires it.

*AI‑based analytic tools are also being explored to not only make daily clinical operations smoother, but also to enhance clinical decision-making.

*Cancer is a rapidly evolving field, and OhioHealth is well positioned to adapt and evolve as new innovations emerge. To facilitate this progress, we are expanding several of our cancer centers, including a brand new cancer center opening in late 2028, which will have all the latest tools and specialists available to deliver advanced cancer care in a competent and compassionate manner.

Q: How do these advancements differentiate us from other cancer programs in our region?

Dr. Simon: OhioHealth has a large footprint with cancer care centers in central Ohio and throughout the state. While most of the care will be kept local to where the patient lives, patients will be able to access highly specialized care from our central hubs.  All of this can be coordinated virtually, allowing for seamless coordination of care among multiple sites. 

Q: Are we expanding access to clinical trials or research partnerships?

Dr. Simon: Yes. OhioHealth is also making the latest in cancer therapeutics available to patients through clinical trials and Phase I trials. We are currently working to expand our Phase I program to make the latest therapeutics available well before FDA approval of these agents.

Q: How are we making advanced care more accessible locally vs. needing to travel?

Dr. Simon: We know that there is a lot on the mind of patients while dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Traveling out of town frequently for care shouldn’t be something patients have to worry about. While some of the more highly specialized care is based in Columbus, most patient care can be delivered locally where patients live and work. Through centralized coordination, virtual care, and a single medical record number, patients can access sub‑specialized expertise without unnecessary travel, helping to minimize disruption to their lives while maintaining access to the most advanced of therapies.

Q: What should our communities understand about how cancer care here is evolving?

Dr. Simon: As a whole, cancer is a rapidly changing field with new treatments and technology being discovered and approved almost on a weekly basis. OhioHealth remains well positioned to adapt and evolve as new innovations emerge. As mentioned earlier, our investments in advanced therapeutics, non‑invasive treatments, coordinated virtual care, expanded clinical trials, AI‑based tools, and new facilities (including a state‑of‑the‑art cancer center opening in 2028), patients in the communities we serve should know that cancer care here at OhioHealth is  advanced, coordinated, and most importantly patient‑centered.  We are with our patients every step of the way.

To learn more about OhioHealth Cancer Care, click here.

Five months after a shooting in Ashville left him fighting to survive, the 19-year-old appeared at the Ohio EMS Conference, presented by OhioHealth, to honor the Harrison Township EMS personnel and the OhioHealth Grant Medical Center team involved in his care. The moment marked an emotional reunion for Waugh and the people who treated him during one of the most critical moments of his life.

Waugh was shot in the chest during a December fight on Duvall Road in Ashville. The injury was severe. His family said the bullet caused extensive damage, and doctors gave him very little chance of survival.

He underwent multiple surgeries and faced a long recovery. In the weeks that followed, he had to rebuild his strength and relearn daily tasks as he healed.

This day, though, Waugh returned not as a patient in crisis, but as a survivor, able to thank the team that carried him through those first urgent minutes and the medical care that followed.

At the EMS conference, he helped recognize Harrison Township EMS workers for their role in getting him to the hospital quickly. Medical staff involved in his treatment also joined the event, turning the recognition into a reunion filled with gratitude and reflection.

For first responders and physicians, seeing Waugh healthy enough to stand before them underscored the purpose behind emergency care. The gathering highlighted how rapid action at the scene, fast transport, and specialized treatment can change the outcome in even the most serious cases.

Now, just months after completing her service with the Peace Corps, she’s back home in Kenton, the community where she grew up, as a nurse in the emergency department at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital.

“I’ve always had a desire to travel and help other people,” Hunt said. “When I heard about the Peace Corps and the opportunity to learn from another culture while also serving a community, I was sold.”

Her assignment placed her in a village of about 300 schoolchildren, where she lived with a host family and worked in a combined first- through 12th-grade school. Her role focused on health education, helping students learn about topics ranging from hygiene and nutrition to sexual education.

“I wasn’t there just to deliver information,” Hunt said. “It was also to learn from the community about their culture and collaborate with teachers on what worked best for the students.”

She especially enjoyed working with younger children and helping introduce new classroom technology like smart boards and interactive learning tools.

“Albania is such a beautiful country with such a rich culture,” she said. “The people are incredibly hospitable. You could just be walking down the street and someone would hand you an apple from their tree or invite you into their home for coffee.”

Living in a developing country also gave her a firsthand look at the challenges communities can face when access to healthcare and resources is limited. In her village, there was a small community health center, a nurse who stayed on call for emergencies and a hospital located nearly 45 minutes away.

That experience shaped the way she now thinks about patient care back home.

When her Peace Corps service ended in December, Hunt knew she wanted to return close to family and the community where she grew up. She joined Hardin Memorial Hospital in January.

“It was exciting to come back and give back to the same community that raised me,” she said. “Being in Albania helped me realize how important it is to connect with people and support your community.”

Today, she says those lessons continue to influence how she cares for patients in the emergency department.

“Usually when someone shows up in the ER, there’s more to the story,” she said. “There are often other things that have affected their health over time. I think my experience taught me to really listen, connect with patients and understand where they’re coming from.”

She also believes strong community-driven care plays an important role in helping patients feel seen and supported close to home.

“It helps people trust their local hospital,” she said. “Knowing there are people here who understand them and care about them makes a huge difference.”

While she’s grateful for the experiences she gained abroad, she says she doesn’t see herself as bringing something extraordinary back to Kenton, but rather joining a team already deeply committed to caring for the community.

“When I started at Hardin Memorial, it was incredible to see the care patients are already receiving,” Hunt said. “The staff really works to make sure patients feel supported when they walk out those doors. I’m just excited to join in that passion that already exists here.”

To learn more about care and services at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, click here.

In Ohio, trauma centers are initially granted provisional status. Following this provisional period, the center must then undergo verification to continue to operate as a trauma center. During this verification, expert trauma surgeons from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma evaluate the program over two days. The Pickerington Trauma Program met all standards for Level III-N Trauma Center verification.

"Since we received our provisional status in 2024, our team has been able to provide lifesaving care to those who live and work in and around Pickerington,” said Thanh Nguyen, DO, medical director of trauma at Pickerington Methodist Hospital. “I’m proud of the trauma program we have built and honored to work with a team committed to providing this lifesaving care to this community.”

What is a Level III-N Trauma Center?

As a Level III-N Trauma Center, Pickerington Methodist Hospital:

• Meets all the capabilities of a Level III trauma center, with the “N” representing specialized care available for neurotrauma patients.
• Guarantees 24-hour availability of surgical services from board-certified or board-eligible neurosurgeons.
• Has the ability to manage any category of trauma alert activation and resources to treat most injured patients locally.
• Offer prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, stabilization and intensive care, while also providing critical support to rural and community hospitals.

“This accomplishment did not happen overnight,” said Kevin Lutz, DPM, president of Pickerington Methodist. “It is the result of steady planning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. From the emergency department and inpatient teams to surgical care, imaging, rehabilitation, support services, and many others across the hospital, everyone played an important role in helping us reach this moment.”

Trauma centers are classified by their ability to provide care, with Level I offering the highest level and specialized resources. Level II centers provide comprehensive trauma care, while Level III-N centers offer advanced neurotrauma care in addition to the initial management capabilities of a Level III center, bridging the gap between Levels II and III.

Continuing to Grow
Pickerington recently began work on an expansion of the emergency department and an additional inpatient unit.   The two-story, 57,000 square foot addition will add:

• 28 ED treatment rooms (bringing total to 44 treatment rooms)
• One additional ED resuscitation room (bringing total to two)
• One additional ED triage room (bringing total to two)
• Two ED intake rooms
• 16 inpatient beds (bringing total to 24 on the second floor)

OhioHealth

The 42,000-square-foot facility, located on West 4th Street on the campus of the current OhioHealth Ontario Health and Fitness Center, will bring a wide range of services together under one roof.  This partnership will make it easier than ever for families to access high-quality care close to home.

The new center reflects a shared commitment to expand access, elevate patient experience, and meet the growing needs of the Ontario community with more comprehensive care than ever before.

In addition to the new building, OhioHealth will renovate and enhance its existing Ontario facility, further expanding services to meet local needs. Planned updates include the development of a specialty care hub, adding new providers and services to support patients across a range of health conditions.

The Ontario Health and Fitness Center currently offers urgent care, WorkHealth services, a public fitness center, therapy services, imaging, and primary care. Services will continue uninterrupted during construction.  These enhancements will build on that foundation, creating a more connected, patient-centered experience across the campus.

Services provided by OhioHealth will include: 
• Primary care for adults 
• Obstetrics and gynecology 
• Advanced imaging, including a new mammography unit 

“This groundbreaking represents more than a new building. It’s a promise to this community,” said Curt Gingrich, MD, president of OhioHealth Mansfield and Shelby Hospitals. “We are investing in the future of care in Ontario by bringing more services, more access, and more support for families right here at home. Together with Nationwide Children’s, we’re creating a place where patients can receive seamless, high-quality care across every stage of life.”

Nationwide Children’s Hospital will provide: 
• Specialty Clinics 
• Laboratory Services 
• Radiology 
• Audiology 
• Clinical Therapies (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language therapy) 
• Primary Care 

“This partnership is about meeting families where they are and surrounding them with the care they need,” said Libbey Hoang, vice president of planning and business development at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “By expanding our presence in Ontario alongside OhioHealth, we’re able to deliver coordinated, specialized pediatric care in one location, making it easier for children and families to access trusted, nationally recognized expertise without leaving their community.”

OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital already collaborate to provide 24/7 pediatric and neonatal care at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. That partnership will continue, ensuring continuity of care for families across the region.

Construction on the $38.4 million project will begin following the May 6 groundbreaking, with the new facility expected to significantly expand access to care for the Ontario community.

OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital has named Ryan Newland, BSN, RN, as Senior Advisor of Operations, effective April 24, 2026. Newland brings more than two decades of healthcare experience and a deep connection to Hardin County into the role.

In this role he will partner with leaders and teams across the hospital to support day-to-day operations and advance work that strengthens patient care and the overall patient experience.

A graduate of Upper Scioto Valley High School, Newland began his healthcare career after earning his nursing degree from Marion Technical College in 2005, later completing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University. He started as a registered nurse in the Level II Trauma Center emergency department at St. Rita’s Medical Center before spending 15 years at Mary Rutan Hospital, where he served in several leadership roles including house supervisor and director of nursing.

Since joining OhioHealth in late 2021 as administrative nurse manager, Newland has played a key role in several initiatives at Hardin Memorial, including supporting the launch of the Swing Bed Program in 2022 and the Virtual Cardiology Telehealth Consult service earlier this year. His background in emergency care and nursing leadership provides a strong foundation for both clinical excellence and operational leadership.

“Ryan has made a meaningful impact since joining our team, and his leadership continues to strengthen the care we provide,” said Jim Parobek, president of OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital and OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. “His experience, commitment to our patients and deep roots in this community make him well-suited for this role, and we are excited to see the continued impact he will have across our hospital and the county.”

Newland said he is honored to step into the position and continue serving the community he calls home.

“I’m truly grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve as Senior Advisor of Operations,” said Newland. “This community means a great deal to me, and it is an honor to contribute in a leadership role in the place I call home. I believe lasting success comes from building meaningful relationships, supporting great people and working together with integrity and compassion to serve others. I’m thankful for God’s guidance in this role and look forward to helping build a stronger future for the patients, families and communities we serve.”

Outside of work, Newland enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hunting, fishing and being outdoors.

“We’re thrilled to see Ryan step into this role and have been impressed by his passion for advancing nursing care at Hardin Memorial Hospital,” said John Schwemer, chair of the OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital Board of Advisors. “With deep roots in Hardin County, he understands this community and he has our trust.”

“Donor families and their extraordinary gifts remind us why we do this work,” said Jim Parobek, president of OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital and OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. “We are proud to honor their legacies and the lasting impact they have on our patients, our hospital and the community.”

The event focused on this year’s Donate Life Month theme, “Leave a Legacy,” and the lasting impact donation can have across generations. One individual can save the lives of as many as eight people through organ donation, heal up to 75 others through tissue donation, provide approximately 25 healing grafts through placenta donation and restore sight to two people through cornea donation.

Within the last two decades, Hardin Memorial Hospital has supported 18 tissue donors and 17 Heroes in Spirit, representing the potential to help heal up to 1,350 people.

The ceremony included remarks from Brieanne Sullivan, who shared the story of her niece, Chloe, who became an organ donor at 17. She donated five organs and her corneas, and her tissue contributed to research advancing bone marrow procurement.

“Organ donation can bring blessings out of tragedy and hope out of a hopeless situation for donors, recipients and their families,” said Sullivan. “I encourage everyone to register and to share that decision with your loved ones so they can honor your choice.”

The ceremony concluded with a prayer, a moment of silence and the raising of the Donate Life flag.

Jamie Cunningham, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital and OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, said the flag will remain on display throughout the month as a tribute to donor heroes.

“This flag will fly with gratitude to honor the decisions made by our donor heroes and their loved ones,” Cunningham said. “It also serves as a promise to continue honoring their legacies. We are grateful for their selfless gifts of donation.”

The event concluded with a reception and special thanks to donor and recipient families.

To learn more about Lifeline of Ohio, visit lifelineofohio.org.

“Nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, is one of the oldest anesthetics, it works fantastic,” Shawn Cuevas, DO, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital anesthesiologist, said.

“It is unique in that it is centrally supplied,” Hameed Salah, DO, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital anesthesiology resident, said. “We have these huge tanks in a storage room that are connected all together and are piped all throughout the hospital to each operating room.” From there, during surgery or a procedure, the anesthesiologists can provide nitrous oxide to patients.

While effective, centralized nitrous oxide systems can lead to significant waste each year. And beyond the hospital walls, those emissions come at an environmental cost. Nitrous oxide has 265 times the global warming potential of CO₂.

“Conversely, it is a very potent greenhouse gas which has a significant effect on climate change, unfortunately, it hangs around for over a century,” Dr. Cuevas said. “Is nitrous oxide the sole contributor to global warming, absolutely not, but should citizens do what they can to help, I think so.”

OhioHealth is working to decommission centralized nitrous oxide piping as part of its broader sustainability efforts.

“At OhioHealth, we believe we decide the future today and that’s what we look at through our sustainability program to make sure we’re building the healthiest, safest care system to deliver care not only in Ohio but in the nation,” Terri Scannell, OhioHealth principal advisor of sustainability, said.

The goal is not to remove the usage of nitrous oxide completely, but rather to change how it’s delivered.

Instead of large, centralized systems, OhioHealth is transitioning to small e-cylinder tanks placed directly on the back of anesthesia machines.

“We’re still able to provide nitrous oxide and keep that as an agent our anesthetic providers can use, without the waste,” Dr. Salah said.

At Doctors Hospital, that transition is already underway. Over the past year, Dr. Salah has helped lead a pilot study there. 

“We had the opportunity to present our overall project, our pilot study to our anesthesia providers, and we talked to them about what is the goal,” Dr. Salah said. “Providers would have the e-cylinders open at all times, so whenever they wanted the nitrous oxide, they would be able to use it.”

If for any reason, providers and team would need to hook back up to the centralized piping system, they’d be able to. According to Dr. Salah, there has not been one single safety event noted in the entirely of the pilot study.

Just this month, OhioHealth sustainability and other organization hospital leaders visited Doctors Hospital to see the system in action and learn more about how the transition works in a real clinical setting.

Doctors Hospital is now the second care site in the organization to make the switch. Grady Memorial was the first, launching a six-month pilot program in 2024 led by Dr. Cuevas.

“At that point, there had been multiple systems in the country that had been talking about the gains that they had received from cutting nitrous oxide use,” Dr. Cuevas said. “We created a pilot study, here at Grady Memorial, we opted to take an incremental approach, we did keep our pipeline open, but we disconnected our anesthesia machines for what we determined to be a trial period.”

Meaning, they did not limit the use of nitrous oxide, they did not limit patients receiving nitrous oxide but instead utilized the e-cylinder tanks instead.

“Our feasibility project was successful, and at that point we started having discussions about turning this feasibility into a long-term solution,” Dr. Cuevas said.

For many involved, the shift is about more than efficiency - it’s about the connection between environmental responsibility and patient health.

“Taking care of the environment is part of healthcare, my patients have to go home. We all live on this earth,” Dr. Cuevas said. “Obviously, there’s going to be waste associated with everything but doing common sense things to make our environment better, which our patients live in, makes sense.”

Now, the focus turns to expanding this work across the system.

“I’ve made sure that the docs, nurse anesthetists that I work with are prepared to continue to provide excellent care with this different type of model, and now it’s going to be pushing it into the hospitals, slowly figuring out how to properly shut down these [centralized] systems correctly and in a safe way and in a sustainable way and push it forward,” Dr. Cuevas said.

As the effort grows, Dr. Cuevas says collaboration across teams has been key to moving the work forward.

“I have to give kudos to the project leads, sustainability really has driven this,” Dr. Cuevas said. “With that being said, they highlight us as clinicians but it’s them that’s bringing us together and leveraging the clinical skills versus the clinical support teams and making sure that we get all the stakeholders at the table together to help push this initiative.”

He adds that support from dedicated OhioHealth sustainability experts, along with strong organizational engagement is what’s making that progress possible.

“OhioHealth has been leading in sustainability, and I think that’s demonstrated by our sustainability staff,” Dr. Cuevas said. “I think it’s easy to make pronouncements but investing in professionals and those professionals having the skills to bring all the rest of the team at OhioHealth together around a goal, without our sustainability staff, we just wouldn’t have the know-how to get all this stuff together to get things done.”

“At OhioHealth, we’re very fortunate, we have leadership who are engaged as well as grassroots, so sustainability is woven throughout our whole organization,” Scannell said. “We actually only have two sustainability folks, but we’re able to be one of the best sustainable healthcare systems in the nation because we have so much engagement.”

OhioHealth is the only hospital in Ohio to have The Joint Commission sustainable healthcare certification.

“It’s an ultrasound ablation machine,” said David Arrese, MD, OhioHealth Chief of Surgical Oncology.  “It goes on top of your body.  There are no incisions, no scars.  It's a minimal recovery.”

Histotripsy is a 60-90 minute procedure done in the operating room with the patient under general anesthesia. Patients who weren’t originally candidates for surgery may be a candidate for this procedure.  It’s best for patients with liver tumors that are small to medium in size, less than three centimeters. 

Dr. Arrese said another benefit is that patients don’t have to stop any active systemic therapies – for example, chemotherapy or if they are on a blood thinner.    Talk with your physician if you think you might be a candidate for this procedure. 

To learn more about OhioHealth Cancer Care, click here. 

Supporting them every step of the way were four OhioHealth guardians, including OhioHealth president and CEO Stephen Markovich, MD—himself a veteran who retired as a major general and Commander of the Ohio Air National Guard—and members of the organization’s Veterans Business Resource Group. Eight other OhioHealth senior leaders volunteered as guardian assistants.

“I cannot tell you how many times today I shed a tear,” Dr. Markovich said. “It was exciting to be part of this. To recognize the veterans, many of whom are in the twilight of their lives as they got to experience something they perhaps didn't get to when they first came back.”

As their flight landed at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, they were met with a crowd of family, friends and more than 100 OhioHealth associates and leaders cheering, waving flags and lining the terminal to welcome them back.

“To see the veterans surrounded by their families, the Honor Flight team and our OhioHealth associates was incredibly meaningful,” said Karen Morrison, president of the OhioHealth Foundation and senior vice president, OhioHealth. “It’s a powerful example of what partnership can do to create real momentum around honoring those who have served, and we are proud to be part of that effort.”

It was the kind of moment many veterans had waited decades to experience.

“The veterans were blown away,” Dr. Markovich said. “It was so great to see our people right up front. I couldn't have been prouder.”

Among those on the flight was Ray DeGraw, a United States Army veteran who described the experience as unforgettable.

“There's always a bond with veterans, and to spend a day together and be able to talk and visit places is really special,” he said. “I cannot thank Honor Flight enough, how they put this together, and OhioHealth. We appreciate it. I know I do, and I think everybody on that flight too.”

As both a veteran and a guardian, Dr. Markovich said it was a chance to support others while reflecting on his own service.

“It’s the emotion of the event. Seeing the Vietnam Wall, the memorials, the rows at Arlington. It’s breathtaking,” he said. “It’s a reminder to recognize those who didn’t make it back and honor the sacrifices that made this country what it is.”

To learn more about Honor Flight Columbus, click here.

In recognition of National Donate Life Month, the hospital partnered with Lifeline of Ohio to host a flag-raising ceremony honoring organ, eye and tissue donors, recipients and the families whose decisions have created lasting legacies of healing.

“Donor families and their extraordinary gifts remind us why we do this work,” said Jim Parobek, president of OhioHealth Marion General Hospital and OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital. “We are proud to honor their legacies and the lasting impact they have on our patients, our hospital and the community.”

Over the past decade-plus, the hospital has supported 21 organ donors and 89 tissue donors, Janelle Hafer, RN, nurse educator and Marion’s liaison for organ and tissue donation, shared.

One donor’s decision can touch countless lives. A single individual can save up to eight lives through organ donation, heal as many as 75 people through tissue donation and advance research that benefits generations to come.

This year’s ceremony included remarks from sisters Jodie Haas and Nikki Malo, whose mother, Kathy, was an organ donor.

“In the midst of the worst days we’ve ever faced, our mom gave something really special; a gift to people she had never met,” Haas said. “She gave them more mornings, more birthdays, more random Tuesday afternoons none of us fully appreciate until we’re at risk of losing someone we love.”

Malo shared that the family felt supported throughout the process, describing how the hospital and Lifeline teams guided them with compassion and honored their mother’s gift with care.

This year marked the hospital’s first full year supporting Lifeline of Ohio’s placenta donation program, a lesser-known opportunity that can help patients with burns and complex wounds recover. Since the program began, the hospital has supported three placenta donations.

The ceremony concluded with a prayer, a moment of silence and the raising of the Donate Life flag.

“The flag is a symbol of hope, unity and healing,” said Charity Coffman, RN, director of nursing at Marion and Hardin. “It represents our commitment to supporting donor families, providing exceptional care to donors and inspiring conversations that may one day save a life.”

The event concluded with a reception and special thanks to donor and recipient families.

To learn more about Lifeline of Ohio, visit lifelineofohio.org.

It’s not often you meet someone who’s gone on a mission trip to help others in a foreign country. But Brian Zimmerman, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, is a bit of an expert in this field. He just returned from his seventh mission trip to South America last month.

“These people are so underserved and so appreciative,” said Dr. Zimmerman. “They need medical care and I am so overjoyed to be able to help and provide it for free.”

Dr. Zimmerman’s most recent trip was to three communities in Brazil along the Amazon River- Alegro Vamos, Livra Mentos, and Boa Esporanza. He traveled with a larger group of medical professionals, including OhioHealth associates Ariah Avila, a surgery tech at Mansfield Hospital, and Kelly Keller, CNP, an advanced practitioner at Mansfield Hospital. In just over a week, Dr. Zimmerman and his team treated more than 340 patients.

“We’d start at about 8 AM, and we’d go until about 6 PM seeing patients,” said Dr. Zimmerman. “Generally, there was a big line of people waiting at 8 AM because frankly, they wanted to be taken care of and not miss their opportunity. People would come out of the woodwork for eight to ten hours.”

Dr. Zimmerman’s team used a medical boat for this trip, using it to travel to different communities, as well as for eating and sleeping. While it may sound like a challenge, Dr. Zimmerman is no stranger to using a boat as both living quarters and a medical facility. In fact, this was his fourth trip doing so. This time, the Sao Domingos do Capim government provided a medical boat to his team for free in exchange for their medical service.

A mission of compassion

Many of the patients Dr. Zimmerman saw were migrant workers who worked in fields and farms. Some of the conditions he treated included arthritis, infections, cists, fungal and bacterial infections, and wounds. According to Dr. Zimmerman, no matter the ailment, every patient expressed their gratitude.

“Every patient who came in there would say, ‘Obrigada or Obrigado,’ which means thank you. They’d hug me or our staff. They're very, very appreciative.”

Dr. Zimmerman has been traveling to South America to treat people in need for over a decade. The fulfillment of helping these communities has been enough to keep him coming back, but it’s also shaped how he cares for patients at OhioHealth.

“Mansfield Hospital has a wound care clinic,” said Dr. Zimmerman. “We have a lot of indigent patients who come in there, who don’t have much for resources or supplies. We also have a lot of people in the hospital who are frankly the same who we care for. I’ve really developed a heart for them. I handle and love on these patients a lot of the same way.”

An open heart

Dr. Zimmerman says he owes his great experience of this most recent trip to a group of people, including OhioHealth associates Avila and Keller, former OhioHealth associate Sonya Spayde, his cousin, Pastor Scott Toth and his wife Michelle Toth, founders of Hope Ministries in Brazil, Pastor Chris Standridge and his wife Becky Standridge of Crossroads Church in Ontario, his son, Samuel Zimmerman, and Tim Iten DDS, a pediatric dentist in Mansfield.

Dr. Zimmerman has no plans to return to South America for an eighth mission trip at the moment, but given his passion for giving back and strong faith, it seems likely.

“My heart is always open,” said Dr. Zimmerman. “If the good Lord creates the opportunity and the hospital and resources come, then yes, I would love to go back.”

On April 27, 2024, Brittany Garner arrived downtown ready to run her third Capital City Half Marathon. Instead, she began experiencing symptoms that would later be diagnosed as multiple strokes.

“I anxiously traveled to my running corral when I felt a horrible pain in my neck and the back of my head after using the restroom,” Garner said. “Suddenly I became dizzy and confused but thought that maybe I twisted my neck in the bathroom before the race.”

Despite feeling disoriented, she decided to continue. Ironically, she ran into a neighbor and had her rub her neck in an effort to relieve what she thought was a strain.

“After an attempt to text my husband and friends that something was not right, the race began and I started what would be a very traumatic journey to the finish line,” Garner said.

As the race continued, the symptoms worsened.

"I can’t remember everything about this race due to trauma and stress of the event, but I do remember several big events along the course of the race,” Garner said. “After the race started, I continued to feel dizzy and unsteady the first several miles, but I was able to continue running at this point.”

When she got to the first water station, she remembered water dripping down her face when she tried to drink out of the small dixie cup. For Garner, this was alarming and an unusual experience from the dozens of other runs she’s participated in over the course of her running career. Soon after, she began losing coordination along the course.

“I remember running into a parked car and several trees,” Garner said. “I remember a group of spectators helping me off the ground several times as I ran off of the road into the curb-each time assuming I was just tired and not prepared to run the race I had set out to run.”

Even as she struggled, she pushed forward.

“Something inside me told me that I should end my race early,” Garner said. “But I am not a quitter and decided that I had to try to finish what I had trained over four months for.”

After more than three hours of running, walking and stumbling, friends helped guide her through the finish line.

“My friends found me with about a half mile left and walked me through the finish line just like you’d see in a movie,” Garner said. After the race, her speech was slurred and difficult to understand. Later that evening, with symptoms still present, she decided to go to the emergency department at OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital. While waiting, she looked up her symptoms online.

“I googled my symptoms only to see the suggestion that my symptoms mimicked that of a stroke,” Garner said. “I thought to myself that there was no way that someone like me could suffer a stroke. I was young, healthy, a non-smoker, who lived a lifestyle that had no risk factors for stroke.”

Aaron Loochtan, DO, OhioHealth vascular neurologist, said strokes can occur in anyone, including young, healthy and highly active individuals. Although, the risk is higher among people with conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity or genetic or heart-related disorders. He said structural heart problems, irregular heart rhythms or clotting disorders can also increase stroke risk.

Dr. Loochtan noted that extreme physical or mental stress can sometimes trigger a stroke, particularly if there is an underlying medical condition.

“High-level athletes usually have well-conditioned hearts and other organs and those sorts of things,” he said. “But if there is something wrong with the heart that we don’t know about and we put the body through repeated or intense stress, that can increase the risk of a stroke event.”

After testing was done in the emergency room, Garner was transferred by ambulance to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital for further evaluation.

“After several CT scans and MRIs, I would learn that at the age of 35, I had indeed suffered three significant strokes in my cerebellum and occipital lobe,” Garner said.

Dr. Loochtan explained that what are often described as “mini strokes” are typically transient ischemic attacks or small clots that travel through the bloodstream and affect multiple areas of the brain at once. In these cases, patients may experience symptoms that appear in different parts of the body even though the event is related to a single clot.

“What’s happening is they’re having the same stroke occur all at the same time, but in different areas,” Dr. Loochtan said.

For Garner, the diagnosis brought back memories of losing her mother unexpectedly as a child.

“My mother had died unexpectedly of a brain tumor when she was 38 years old,” Garner said. “For a second, my 11-year-old self-flashed before my eyes as I realized that my children could have lost me.”

She spent three days in the hospital’s neurology unit following the diagnosis.

Doctors did several tests but did not find common stroke risk factors such as heart conditions or clotting disorders. Though the cause is still not known for certain, Garner said it was suspected to be a combination of birth control medication, and a history of migraines that could have contributed to her strokes.

Garner was placed on daily aspirin as well as a statin to reduce stroke risk.  She will be on this preventative medicine her entire life. 

After leaving the hospital, Garner spent six to eight weeks in speech, physical and occupational therapy.

“I walked with a labored gait on my left side and could not walk in a straight line due to balance issues,” Garner said. “Word finding was difficult initially and I would mix up words.”

In addition to physical recovery, she worked through the emotional impact of the experience with a psychologist specializing in medical trauma. Today, she says she has nearly fully recovered.

During her recovery, a bracelet from OhioHealth with the phrase “Keep Making Plans” became a meaningful reminder. She received the bracelet in her 2024 race packet prior to running the race that changed her life forever. She tossed it to the side not realizing what it would mean to her once she got home from the hospital.

“No matter what life throws at you, medically or otherwise, keep making plans,” Garner said. “My medical event was not a death sentence. It was an invitation to keep living life to the fullest.”

In 2025, one year after her stroke, she returned to run the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon.

“In fact, I ran my fastest half marathon time ever the year after my stroke, beating my second fastest time by 15 minutes,” Garner said.

She set four goals: participate safely, finish the race, complete it without stopping and set a personal record. She accomplished all four of those goals.

“I had so much trauma attached to the race and so many horrible memories from 2024,” Garner said. “I was determined to run again and make new memories.”

Garner is returning to Cap City this year to “have fun” and to remind herself and others to “keep making plans.”

The starting line to this race is further evidence that I am stronger than my stroke,” Garner said.

While stroke recovery varies by patient, Dr. Loochtan said the goal is to help patients return to normal activity when possible. He said many stroke patients do not fully return to their previous level of function, but recovery outcomes have improved with therapy and coordinated care. Garner represents an ideal outcome.

“That’s our goal, that’s the best outcome we could have, we’re very proud of her and we’re very happy for her,” Dr. Loochtan said. “We want people to not be afraid, we want them to keep on doing things, being as active as they can and getting them back to normal.”

Dr. Loochtan credits first responders, emergency medical staff, nurses, physicians, imaging technicians, laboratory staff, therapists and social workers for supporting stroke patients from the moment of emergency response through outpatient rehabilitation.

“It really takes an army,” Dr. Loochtan said. “We couldn’t do this alone, everybody is a part of the team and it makes us very proud and very happy when it all works, we have successful outcomes like this.”

Garner now encourages others to pay close attention to their bodies.

“No one can evade all illness,” Garner said. “Our bodies are amazing, but they can fail us at times.”

She urges people to listen to warning signs and seek medical care even if symptoms turn out to be nothing. During a health scare, she also emphasized the importance of leaning on loved ones and following medical professionals’ recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation.

For those who are participating this year or hope to in the future, “Don’t ever count yourself out- at any age or any health stage.  Everyone is running their own race, figuratively and literally.”  Garner went on to say, “Even if you face adversity, whether it be something like a stroke or cancer or an injury or mental illness- use these setbacks to make you stronger.  Do not let your illness or injury define you. Come back stronger than ever.”

As the race’s medical partner, OhioHealth will have a full medical team on April 25, 2026, positioned along the course and at the finish line to care for spectators and runners participating in the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon.

Q&A With Amy Harrison, MS, AT, CSCS, CES, PES, FMS, OhioHealth Senior Athletic Trainer and Leader of the Runner’s Clinic at OhioHealth

Q. As OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon participants enter the final few weeks before race day, what should their main focus be? (00.06)

A. As we look into the final stages of training, you really want to focus a lot on recovery, so allowing your body to heal between workouts, making sure you’re doing stretching, icing anything that’s sore and doing all those things to take care of yourself. You also want to kind of practice a little better nutrition, figure out what you’re going to eat on race day, so make sure you’re fueling with some of the similar foods you’re going to use on race day to see how they affect you. That way, you know if something doesn’t agree with you and you’re not eating it on race day. I would also increase your carbohydrates just a little bit to give you a little more fuel, and if you do that hydration and nutrition sooner, that will prep you for race day before you get there.

Q. Can you explain what tapering is and why it’s so important in the last few weeks before a marathon? (00:54)

A. The last week or two, you should be reducing your mileage. That’s what a taper is. You’re basically just bringing your mileage down by about 30 percent each week, and that allows your body to recover from all of the hard training you’ve been doing. I always tell people your body doesn’t actually get better during your workouts or during your running, you’re stressing your body then, but it gets better during that recovery. So that two weeks of taper is really allowing your body to recover from all the hard work you’ve done all season so that you’re well rested, fully fueled and ready to go on race day.

When you are tapering, it is your body’s way of recovering. During that taper, things to mix in are going to be your good nutrition, extra sleep and stretching. A lot of times we get a little jittering when we’re tapering because we’re not running as much as we’re used to, so doing some extra stretching, yoga and things like that can help give you something to do so you’re not overthinking the racing and the race day coming up, but you’re still being active without stressing your body.

Q. What are some common mistakes participants make in the final stretch leading up to race day? (1:57)

A. It can go two ways, you’re either doing too little or too much. If you take that taper to heart and you rest completely for two weeks, that’s not going to be good on race day. So you want to reduce your mileage, but you still want to get out and be active, get in a few runs, walk and do things like that. Extra stretching, as I said, is also good. The other mistake we commonly see is people who skip the taper altogether, and they’re continuing their high intensity, hard running right up to race day, so they’re starting their race not recovered. It’s going to feel like a hard run when you head out for your last long run and your legs are fatigued when you’re starting. You don’t want to start race day that way. Make sure you’re allowing yourself to back off of those miles a little bit, but not too much.

Q. How can participants tell the difference between normal soreness and a potential injury at this stage? (2:47)

A. That can be tricky at any stage, really, to tell the difference between soreness and an injury. The biggest thing with that is soreness generally gets better within a day or two. If that pain is lasting longer than a couple of days after the race or after a long run, then we start thinking injury. Soreness also generally improves with movement, so if you go out for a light jog or go out for a walk, usually you’ll feel sore and tight at the beginning, but as you get moving and your muscles get warm, a lot of that soreness will go away and you’ll feel really good. It will come back after you stop and sit and all those muscles tighten up again, but generally soreness improves with movement, whereas an injury is going to get worse as you continue any kind of aggravating movement. That’s another good sign. If you go out for a run, you give it 10 minutes and it’s not improving, that’s a sign it’s probably an injury versus soreness.

Q. If there’s still concern, what should they do next? (3:48)

A. First of all, I would start with some light stretching and icing. If that doesn’t improve it, call your family doctor, call a sports medicine doctor, get in and get checked out and just make sure. That peace of mind of having someone take a look at it and tell you, “hey, this is what it is and you can push through it,” is going to give you a lot of peace of mind as far as continuing to exercise and continuing to train for your race. There are lots of good options for that. You can, even if you have access to an athletic trainer or physical therapist, stop in and see one of them. They can do the same thing.

Q. How should participants approach their last long run before race day? (4:23)

A. Think of that last long run as a dress rehearsal. You want to try to do everything the same you’re going to do for race day, so get up a little bit earlier like you would on race day, fuel and eat the same foods you plan to eat on race day. If you’re going to do a sports drink or Gatorade or something like that on race day, have that beforehand. If you’re going to have a cup of coffee on race day, have that beforehand, so you know how all of those things will affect you. You may even want to get in the car and drive somewhere to run so you can feel what it’s like to get out of the car, be a little bit stiff and have to warm up outside and get moving. That’s what it’s going to be like on race day, so you just want to know how your body is going to react to that. You may find OK, I don’t need so much time, I do need a little bit more time, I don’t want to have a cup of coffee before I run because it doesn’t sit well with my stomach and I’m going to be at the porta potty in five minutes. I would also wear the clothes you’re going to wear. A lot of clothes, especially if you haven’t worn them before or if they haven’t been washed a lot, may chafe, and it’s good to know where you’re going to rub and maybe need some of that Aquaphor or anti chafing cream so you don’t have bruises and blisters and things from your clothing.

Q. On race day, what are your top tips for pacing, fueling and making it to the finish line feeling strong? (5:38)

A. On race day, like I said, make sure you’ve practiced what you’re going to have. Wear familiar clothes. A lot of times, if something is new, you may get some chafing, so make sure pre race you’re thinking about that. There are lots of different glides and creams and things that you can use. You want to make sure you’re covering all of the places that rub, so bottom of your arms where it’s going to rub along your shirt, sports bra line, shorts line, inside your legs, any place that’s going to be rubbing, make sure you’re covering that with some kind of anti chafing cream. Guys, you have to cover the nipples either with the anti chafing cream or some kind of Band Aid works pretty well for that as well.

Other things, make sure that you have practiced your nutrition. You know what you’re going to eat, familiar foods, things you know don’t upset your stomach. Even if they’ve not upset your stomach before, sometimes on race day, with the added nervousness and the changes in timing with running, things can bother you. Make sure you’re hydrating on race day as well as all week before. That will help you get to a good hydration level before you start, which will help keep you at a good hydration level as you finish. Also, practice what you’re going to eat and drink during the race in these last few weeks leading up to the race, and then do that same plan on race day. So ideally, you want to have some carbohydrates sooner rather than later. You’re going to be out more than an hour, so make sure about 45 minutes into the race you’re starting to add some fuel. Drink often, but don’t overdrink. There’s going to be a hydration station, I think about every two miles, during most races. You don’t have to stop at every single one, but every other works really well. Think about your strategy for drinking on your run. Are you going to stop and walk through the water station, or are you going to try to hit as you run? If so, be ready, you’re going to get wet. So just think through some of that and maybe practice it on your last few runs so you know what works and what doesn’t.

Q. What should participants prioritize in the hours and days after the race to recover properly and avoid injury? (7:50)

A. Post race, the biggest thing is to keep moving. You’re going to get done, you’re going to be tired and you’re going to want to just grab your margarita and sit at the finish line and listen to the music. The more you can be up and moving around, that kind of keeps the soreness at bay. It doesn’t have to be hardcore stretching, but light stretching or just general movement and walking around, getting up and down is going to help get some of that soreness out. The more you move, the better you’re going to feel. Don’t plop on the couch for the next eight hours after the race. Same thing in that week after, you’re not going to feel like running. You’ve done a lot of running up to this point, you don’t have to go out and run. But go for a walk, get on a bike, go bike up to the ice cream store with your kids, something where you’re moving. The more you do that, the better you’re going to feel. Stretching, yoga and things like that are also going to be your friend. Don’t hesitate. Instead of when you would normally run, sit down and do 20 minutes of nice, easy stretching. And don’t hesitate to get back at it. A couple of days of rest is good, maybe go out for a light run after that.

The OhioHealth Marion General Cancer Center announced that it has received accreditation under the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation Program.

The ACS CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards.

CoC accreditation is granted to institutions committed to providing high-quality cancer care by demonstrating compliance with the CoC standards. Each cancer program must undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with the CoC standards. To maintain accreditation, cancer programs must undergo a site visit every three years. The CoC accreditation standards supply the structure for providing all patients with a full range of diagnostic, treatment and supportive services either on-site or by referral, including community-based resources.

“This accreditation reflects the dedication of our entire team to deliver coordinated, compassionate and evidence-based cancer care for the patients and families we serve,” said Lucinda Pfeifer, Program Manager, OhioHealth Marion Cancer Services. “From diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, our goal is to ensure every patient in our community has access to high-quality cancer care close to home. Achieving Commission on Cancer accreditation reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and to supporting patients at every step of their journey.”

As a CoC-accredited institution, the OhioHealth Marion General Cancer Center also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies an institution’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know the OhioHealth Marion General Cancer Center is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.

“ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, the OhioHealth Marion General Cancer Center has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement,” said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.

Learn more about the CoC Accreditation Program at facs.org/quality-programs/cancer-programs/commission-on-cancer/.

Learn more about OhioHealth's cancer care at ohiohealth.com/services/cancer.

About OhioHealth Marion General Cancer Center

The OhioHealth Marion General Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer services for patients in Marion and surrounding communities. The center offers coordinated care that includes prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship services and patient navigation, delivered by a multidisciplinary team focused on compassionate, patient-centered care close to home. As part of OhioHealth, a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health system, the cancer center is committed to advancing quality, safety and access for every patient it serves.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. “FACS” designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Van Wert Hospital is the only hospital in Ohio to receive this distinction.

The designation is based on an evaluation conducted by The Chartis Center for Rural Health using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, a comprehensive and objective assessment of rural prospective payment system (PPS) hospital performance across the United States.

The Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals represent the highest performers among the hospitals named to the Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals list. Hospitals were assessed across eight pillars of performance:

• Inpatient Market Share
• Outpatient Market Share
• Quality
• Outcomes
• Patient Perspective
• Cost
• Charge
• Finance

“This recognition reflects the incredible work of our entire team,” said Paula Stabler, president of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “Our focus has always been on serving our patients and community with compassion and excellence, and I’m proud that our efforts are being acknowledged on a national level.”

An official recognition by the National Rural Healthcare Association will take place at its annual rural health conference in May.

To view the full list of recipients, click here.

To learn more about OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital's services and programs, click here. 

About the National Rural Health Association

The National Rural Health Association is a national nonprofit membership organization with more than 20,000 members. The association provides leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education and research and works to improve the health and wellbeing of rural Americans.

About the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX

The Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX uses publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to compare rural and Critical Access Hospitals across market, value-based and financial performance indicators. The INDEX evaluates 36 indicators across eight pillars to provide a comprehensive view of rural hospital performance and serves as the foundation for many of rural healthcare’s most prominent awards.

• 28 ED treatment rooms (bringing total to 44 treatment rooms)
• One additional ED resuscitation room (bringing total to two)
• One additional ED triage room (bringing total to two)
• Two ED intake rooms
• 16 inpatient beds (bringing total to 24 on the second floor)

“We expanded from a medical campus to a hospital in 2023 and the support from the community has been tremendous,” said Kevin Lutz, DPM, President, Pickerington Methodist Hospital. “To continue to provide high-quality patient care for those who live and work in the area, we’ve realized we need to grow to meet the increasing demand for emergency and inpatient care.

The expansion is a $65 million continued investment in the Pickerington community.

“This expansion will allow us to continue to deliver a great experience for patients. Additional inpatient beds will allow for faster patient admissions and decrease congestion in the emergency department, ensuring we can provide timely and efficient care when our patients need it the most,” said Dr. Lutz.

In fiscal year 2025, the emergency department saw just over 44,000 patients.

Construction has begun with an anticipated opening in late 2028. Cannon Design is the project architect and Messer Construction Co. is lead contractor.

Renderings courtesy of Cannon Design.  Media has permission to download/publish.